It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by a grave and said, "Bring me two branches." The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) placed one branch at the head of the grave and the other at the foot. Someone asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Will this benefit him?" The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, "As long as there is freshness in these branches, his punishment will be lessened."