A caravan of Muslims was heading towards Mecca. After reaching Medina, they rested for a few days, and then continued their journey to Mecca.
On the way between Medina and Mecca, at one of the stopping places, the caravan members encountered a man they knew. During their conversation, the man noticed someone among them who had the appearance of a righteous person and was energetically and enthusiastically attending to the needs and duties of the caravan members. At that moment, he recognized him.
With great surprise, he asked the caravan members, “Do you know the person who is busy serving and doing tasks for you?”
They replied, “No, we don’t know him. He joined our caravan in Medina. He is a pious and devout man. We never asked him to do anything for us, but he is eager to participate in helping others with their needs.”
The man said, “It is clear that you don’t know him, because if you did, you wouldn’t be so bold. You would never allow him to attend to your affairs as a servant.”
The caravan members asked, “Who is this person?”
The man replied, “This person is Ali ibn al-Husayn, Zayn al-Abidin.”
Upon realizing the identity of the stranger, the caravan members became flustered and rushed to apologize to Imam Sajad (peace be upon him). They expressed their regret and said, “What is this that you have done with us? It is possible that, God forbid, we might have shown disrespect to you and committed a great sin.”
Imam Sajad (peace be upon him) responded, “I purposely chose to travel with you, who did not know me, because sometimes I travel with those who know me. They show me great kindness and affection due to my connection to the Messenger of God, and they don’t allow me to take on any tasks or duties. Therefore, I prefer to choose companions who do not recognize me and refrain from introducing myself, so that I can have the opportunity to serve and fulfill the happiness of helping others.”
Taken from the book “Dastan-e-Rastan” by the late martyr Motehari