Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."
Source Reference
Book: Belief
Author: Sahih al-Bukhari
Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 38
Commentary on Conditions for Forgiveness
The Prophet (ﷺ) establishes three essential conditions for the forgiveness of past sins through Ramadan fasting: First, the fasting must encompass the entire month of Ramadan. Second, the fasting must be performed with "sincere faith" (imanan), meaning one must believe in the obligation of fasting as a divine command and perform it with proper intention. Third, one must fast "hoping to attain Allah's rewards" (ihtisaban), seeking only Allah's pleasure without ostentation or worldly motives.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that "all his past sins will be forgiven" refers specifically to minor sins, as major sins require sincere repentance. The combination of faith and sincere expectation of reward demonstrates complete submission to Allah's command. This hadith illustrates the immense mercy Allah bestows upon believers who fulfill this pillar of Islam with proper spiritual consciousness.
Spiritual Significance
This promise of forgiveness serves as tremendous encouragement for believers to engage in Ramadan with spiritual vigor. It emphasizes that Islamic worship transcends mere physical abstinence, requiring inner conviction and pure intention. The comprehensive nature of this forgiveness demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy and the elevated status of Ramadan in Islamic spirituality.