Ibn ‘Abbas told that the Prophet came upon two graves and said, "Their occupants are being punished, but not for a great sin. One of them did not keep himself from being defiled by urine. (A version by Muslim has "did not keep himself undefiled by urine”.) The other went about spreading slander.” He then took a fresh palm branch, split it in two parts, and planted one on each grave. On being asked why he did this, he said, "Perhaps their punishment may be mitigated as long as they remain fresh.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 338
This narration from Ibn 'Abbas, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, contains profound lessons regarding ritual purity and social conduct. The Prophet's action demonstrates divine wisdom in both identifying spiritual ailments and offering intercession.
Scholarly Commentary on the Punishment
The punishment in the grave for neglecting urine purification indicates the severity of this matter in Islamic law. Scholars explain that urine is among the strongest impurities, and its proper removal is fundamental to ritual purity (taharah).
The phrase "not for a great sin" does not minimize these offenses but rather shows that even what people consider minor sins can lead to grave punishment if persistently neglected without repentance.
The Significance of the Palm Branch
Classical commentators note that the fresh palm branch serves as a means of seeking Allah's mercy and potentially reducing punishment. This demonstrates the Prophet's compassion and the principle of intercession (shafa'ah) for believers.
The condition "as long as they remain fresh" indicates the temporary nature of this mitigation, teaching us that divine mercy has conditions and limitations.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the obligation of thorough purification from urine and the grave sin of tale-bearing (namimah). Scholars derive from this the importance of avoiding all forms of impurity and maintaining clean clothing and body for prayer.
The punishment for slander emphasizes the destructive nature of speech that creates discord among Muslims, considered among the major sins in Islamic jurisprudence.