Then Allah forgave him

The following story is mentioned in an authentic Hadith that is narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu):

“A man who had never performed a good deed throughout his life gave these instructions to his family. ‘When I die burn me and scatter half of my remains on land and the other half in the sea. For by Allah, if Allah is able to get me, He will punish me as He punishes no one else from the entire creation!’

When he died, his family followed his instructions to the letter. Allah then order the land to gather together his remains that were scattered on it, and the sea to gather together his remains that were scattered in it. Then when the man was brought together again, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala asked him why he did what he did. He said, ‘From fear of You, O my Lord! And You know best (as to what was in my heart.)’ Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala then forgave him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)