It is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by two graves and said: These two are being punished, and they are not being punished for something major; one of them did not protect himself from urine drops, and the other used to spread tales (carry gossip). Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) took a fresh date-palm branch, split it in two, and placed one piece on each grave. The companions asked, O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! Why did you do this? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: Perhaps their punishment may be reduced as long as these remain fresh.