It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: A man removed a thorny branch from the path of the Muslims so that no Muslim would be harmed by it, and due to this act, he was forgiven.
Hadith Referenceمسند احمد / مسند المكثرين من الصحابة / 8498