Salman had been the governor of one of the cities of Syria for some time. His conduct during the period of his rule remained unchanged from that before his governorship; he would always wear ordinary clothing, travel on foot and even place his household things as security and surety (for borrowing money).
Once, while moving through the bazar, he saw a man who had purchased some alfalfa and was looking for someone to carry it to his house for him. Salman approached the person, who failed to recognize him, and agreed to carry his load free of charge. The man placed the load of alfalfa on Salman’s back. As they were walking, they came across a person who immediately recognized Salman.
“O’ Leader! Where are you carrying this burden?” he exclaimed.
Hearing these words, the owner of the load realized that the person carrying his load was Salman. He fell down on his knees and implored: “Forgive me, for I had failed to recognise you.” “Nevertheless, I must carry this load to your house,” said Salman.
When he had done so, he said to the man, “I have fulfilled my promise; now it is for you to promise that henceforth you will never seek the services of anyone for anything. (And know!) By you carrying things which you are able to, it will not reflect negatively upon your manliness.” ( Jawame’ al-Hikayat, Page 178 )