Is it recommended for us to place a tree branch or a palm frond on the grave of the deceased when burying him?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question : Here is a question that has come up: Is it recommended for us to place a tree branch or a palm frond, meaning a palm leaf, on the grave of the deceased when burying him, or is it not recommended?
Answer : Yes, it is not recommended. It is not recommended. First, because this contradicts the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Second, because it is a false assumption about the deceased. As for it contradicting the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he did not place a palm leaf on every grave; rather, he placed it on two graves because it was revealed to him that they were being tormented. If it had been a recommended practice, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) would have placed a tree branch or palm frond on the grave of every man who entered. Yes. Second, it is a wrong action toward whom? Toward the deceased. Because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only placed it because they were being tormented. So now, if you place a branch from a tree or a palm, it is as if you are telling people: "Bear witness that I testify that this man is being tormented." And this is not fitting.
Answer : Yes, it is not recommended. It is not recommended. First, because this contradicts the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Second, because it is a false assumption about the deceased. As for it contradicting the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he did not place a palm leaf on every grave; rather, he placed it on two graves because it was revealed to him that they were being tormented. If it had been a recommended practice, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) would have placed a tree branch or palm frond on the grave of every man who entered. Yes. Second, it is a wrong action toward whom? Toward the deceased. Because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only placed it because they were being tormented. So now, if you place a branch from a tree or a palm, it is as if you are telling people: "Bear witness that I testify that this man is being tormented." And this is not fitting.
Source
قناة «فضيلة الشيخ محمد بن صالح العثيمين»، 21 - 64 هل يُسنُّ لنا عند دفن الميت أن نضع على قبره غصن شجرة أو غصن نخلة؟ - ابن عثيمين — youtube.com
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.
