The advise of an ascetic
From: Anecdotes of the Pious Ones, # 21, v. 1

The heat of summer was at its peak. The sun was shining brightly on the fields and gardens of Madina and its surroundings. At this time a man named Muhammad bin Munkadir who considered himself as one of the ascetics of his time was going to the surroundings of Madina.

He saw a chubby and heavily built man who had come to investigate the fields. Due to his weight and fatigue, this man seemed to need assistance of his companions to walk around.

Muhammad thought to himself: "Who is this man who has occupied himself with the work for this world in this heat?"

He came closer. "Amazing! Is this man Muhammad ibn-e 'Ali ibn-e Hussayin, Imam Baqir (as)? Why is this respectable man working this world? I must advise him to change his attitude."

He came closer and greeted Imam Baqir (as), who was breathless and was sweating perfusely. The Imam (as) greeted him as well.

The man said: "Is it fitting of a respectable man such as yourself to work for the world, specially in such a day, and with such and overweight body, which may cause you so much problem? Who knows of time of death. Who knows when one dies. What if you die now? It is not fitting of you that you die while searching for the gains of this world in this hot weather. No, no. It is not appropriate for you."

Imam Baqir (as) lifted his hands off the shoulder of his companions and leaned on the wall and said: "If I die now in this state, I would have died while fulfilling my responsibility. Because this work is equivalent to the worship of, and servitude to Allah. Do you think that worship is only prayer, supplications and Dhikr? I have a livelihood for which I must work. If I don't work, I must beg from likes of you. I am working for my sustenance so that I may not ask others for help. I must fear death when I am indulging in sins and disobedience of Allah. There is no fear of death while I am obeying the orders of my Lord, who has made me responsible to seek my own sustenance, so that I don't become a burden on the society."

The asetice said: "What a mistake I commited! I thought to myself that I was advising someone. Now I know that I was misled and needed guidance myself."[1]

[1] Bihar al Anwar. Kompany publication. v. 11, Imam Baqir (as). p. 82