Is it Sunnah to leave a green leaf of a date-palm on a grave?
Answer:
السّلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
We received your query wherein you asked if it is a Sunnat to leave a date palm leaf on the grave. Our response is a follows:
It is narrated in the Hadith of Bukhari Shareef that on one occasion Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam requested for a date palm leaf, tore it into two and placed half on each of the two graves and said, it is likely that the punishment of the grave will be decreased until these leaves stay moist. (Bukhari vol. 1 Pg: 35)
The commentators of Hadith say, this action is exclusive to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam as there is no specialty in the leaf. It was the blessing of the hand of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. That’s why Ulama such as Allamah Khataabi have disapproved of people putting leafs on the grave. Hence, it is not a sunnat.
Mufti Taqi Usmani Sahib writes, although it is proven form Hadith that Rasulullah (SAW) placed a leaf on the grave, it was a one off occasion. Therefore, it should not be made habit or a continuous practice. (Dars e Tirmizi vol. 1 Pg: 286)
(References: Fatawa Mahmoodiyah vol. 9 Pg: 175, Malfoozat of Mufti Mahmood Sahib (RA) vol. 2 Pg: 324)
AND ALLAH TA’AALA KNOWS BEST
Muhammad Z Panchbhaya