The ruling on placing Green Branches on the Graves

Question :

Ibn 'Abbas, may Allâh be pleased with them both, said: "The Prophet passed by two graves and said:
"Verily, they are being punished and they are not being punished for something major. One of them would not protect himself from urine (when relieving himself) and the other used to go around spreading slanderous gossip.' Then he took a fresh palm branch, split it in half and planted one of them on each grave. The people said: 'O Messenger of Allah, why did you do that?' He said: "Perhaps the punishment will be lightened for them as long as these (branches) do not dry up."

This was recorded by Al-Bukhari. So, is it correct for us to follow the Prophet in this? And is it permissible to place something similar to the palm branch from the fresh green things on graves based upon an analogy with the palm branch? Also, is it permissible to plant a tree over the grave so that it will always be green for this purpose?

Answer:

Verily, the Prophet's placing the palm branch on the two graves and his hoping that the punishment would be lightened for those whom the branches were placed on their graves was a specific occurrence that has no generality. That was something specifically for the Messenger of Allâh. Also, this was not a Sunnah from him that was applied to the graves of the Muslims. The amount of times that it occurred was only twice or thrice, and no more - if each report was counted as a separate incident. It is not known that this action was done by anyone of the Companions and they were the most zealous of the Muslims in following him (the Prophet), and the most eager for what benefits the Muslims. However, there is a narration reported from Buraidah Al-Aslami that he willed that two palm branches be placed in his grave. Yet, it is not known that anyone of the Companions agreed with Buraidah in that. May Allâh send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

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