Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If any one of you says, 'Amin' and the angels in the heavens say 'Amin' and the former coincides with the latter, all his past sins will be forgiven."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 781

Context and Significance

This noble hadith from the chapter "Call to Prayers (Adhaan)" in Sahih al-Bukhari highlights the profound spiritual opportunity during the congregational prayer, specifically when reciting "Amin" after Surah al-Fatihah.

The term "Amin" means "O Allah, accept our supplication" and serves as a seal upon the believer's recitation of the Opening Chapter of the Quran.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this synchronization between the believer's "Amin" and that of the angels represents a moment of divine acceptance. The angels' response indicates Allah's mercy descending upon the worshipper.

Scholars emphasize that this forgiveness applies to minor sins, as major sins require specific repentance. The timing of saying "Amin" should coincide with the Imam's completion of al-Fatihah to maximize this blessed opportunity.

This hadith teaches us the importance of presence of heart (khushu') during prayer and the cosmic significance of our worship connecting with the heavenly realm.

Practical Implications

The believer should consciously say "Amin" aloud in prayers where recitation is audible, and silently otherwise, with full conviction and humility.

This moment represents one of many divinely appointed opportunities for spiritual purification throughout the prayer, encouraging Muslims to perfect their devotion and attentiveness during worship.