Once the Prophet, while passing through one of the graveyards of Medina or Mecca heard the voices of two persons who were being tortured in their graves. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid)." The Prophet (ﷺ) then added, "Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends). The Prophet (ﷺ) then asked for a green leaf of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied, "I hope that their torture might be lessened, till these get dried."
Hadith Commentary: The Punishment in the Grave
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 216 serves as a profound warning regarding seemingly minor sins that many Muslims neglect. The Prophet's (ﷺ) encounter with the two individuals being punished demonstrates that Allah's justice encompasses both major and minor transgressions when committed persistently without repentance.
Scholarly Analysis of the Sins Mentioned
The first individual was punished for negligence in cleansing himself from urine. Classical scholars emphasize that this refers to failing to properly purify oneself after urination, either by not washing thoroughly or by allowing urine to soil one's clothing during the act. This highlights the Islamic emphasis on ritual purity (taharah) as a fundamental aspect of faith.
The second individual was punished for nameemah (calumny) - which scholars define as spreading statements to create enmity between people. This includes carrying malicious talk between friends or colleagues to damage their relationship. The gravity of this sin lies in its destructive social consequences and violation of brotherhood in faith.
Theological Implications
This hadith confirms the reality of punishment in the grave (adhab al-qabr), which is an article of faith in orthodox Islamic doctrine. The Prophet's statement "not for a major sin" then correcting himself indicates these sins, while not among the kabair (major sins), become significant through persistence and lack of remorse.
Scholars note that the Prophet's action of placing green palm leaves demonstrates intercession for sinners and Allah's boundless mercy. The temporary nature of the relief (until the leaves dried) indicates that ultimate forgiveness comes only through sincere repentance.
Practical Lessons
Muslims must maintain vigilance over "minor" sins that may be neglected, particularly those related to personal hygiene and social conduct. The hadith teaches the importance of proper ablution and cleanliness, as well as guarding one's tongue from speech that damages relationships.
This narration also encourages believers to make supplication for the deceased, as the Prophet's action illustrates that the living can benefit those in the afterlife through righteous deeds and prayers.