The Prophet (ﷺ) once passed by two graves and said, "These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid). 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 took a green leaf of a date-palm tree, split it into (pieces) and fixed one on each grave. They said, "O Allah's Apostle! Why have you done so?" He replied, "I hope that their punishment might be lessened till these (the pieces of the leaf) become dry." (See the footnote of Hadith 215).
The Sin of Negligence in Urine Purification
The first individual mentioned in this narration was being punished due to his negligence in properly cleansing himself from urine. This indicates the grave importance Islam places on ritual purity (taharah). Scholars explain that this refers to one who does not take adequate care to ensure no drops of urine soil his body or clothing after relieving himself.
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this punishment demonstrates how what may seem like a minor negligence in purification can have serious consequences in the Hereafter. The requirement to thoroughly cleanse oneself from najasah (impurities) is a fundamental aspect of Islamic hygiene and worship.
The Grave Nature of Tale-bearing
The second person was punished for namimah, which refers to spreading malicious gossip and causing discord between people. Scholars define namimah as carrying speech from one party to another with the intention of causing corruption and breaking relationships.
Imam al-Nawawi explains in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that namimah is among the major sins due to its destructive social consequences. It breaks bonds of brotherhood, spreads enmity, and corrupts communities. The severity of this sin is highlighted by its inclusion alongside negligence in purification as causes for punishment in the grave.
The Prophet's Intercession and Mercy
The Prophet's action of placing fresh date-palm leaves on the graves demonstrates his immense compassion and his role as an intercessor for his ummah. Scholars note that this act was a specific privilege granted to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and does not constitute a general practice for others to follow.
Ibn al-Qayyim explains in Kitab al-Ruh that this incident shows how the Prophet's supplications and actions could affect the condition of those in their graves. The drying of the leaves indicated the temporary nature of this intercession, teaching us that while the Prophet could seek relief for some, the ultimate judgment remains with Allah.
Lessons in Personal Responsibility
This hadith emphasizes that Muslims must take personal responsibility for matters often considered minor or private. Both sins mentioned - negligence in purification and tale-bearing - are acts that people might commit thinking they will go unnoticed or are insignificant.
Al-Qurtubi notes in his tafsir that this narration serves as a powerful reminder that Allah's knowledge encompasses all matters, public and private. It teaches us to be mindful of our actions in all aspects of life, recognizing that even what we consider small negligence can have serious spiritual consequences.