How the Salaf used to Fear Allah

Some of the salaf (the righteous predecessors) used to say if I knew that Allah had accepted from me the weight of a mustard grain (of good deeds), I would wish for death. And that was due to their extreme fear of Allah the Exalted. Allah the Exalted describes the best of his 'ibaad as: {And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their good deeds have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Rabb (for reckoning). It is these who race for the good deeds, and they are foremost in them.} [Al-Mu'minun:60-61] The Mother of the believers 'Aaishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "O Messenger of Allah, are they those who do Zina (fornication), drink Khamr (intoxicants), and are afraid of being punished for their sins?" He said: "No, O daughter of As-Siddeeq, they are a people who obey Allah, do good, and fear that their good deeds would be rejected and would not be accepted from them." So, It is upon us to be fearful that our good deeds would be rejected. We shouldn't be satisfied with them or consider them to be a lot because they are little in regards to the right of Allah. That's because the right of Allah upon us is great. However, Allah pardons, bestows generously, and honors from His Fadl (grace). However, this is for the one who makes good his thoughts of his Rabb (lord). So, have good thoughts of your Rabb, have good thoughts of your Rabb, hope for that which is good and do good deeds.