‘Uthman reported God’s messenger as saying, “When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any Muslim observes proper ablution, humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and that means for all time.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Virtue of Prayer with Proper Conditions
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, transmitted by the esteemed Companion 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), reveals the immense spiritual benefit of performing the obligatory prayers with their complete conditions and pillars. The Prophet (peace be upon him) specifies three essential components: proper timing (when the prayer time enters), physical purification (valid wudu'), and spiritual presence (humility and proper bowing).
The Scope of Expiation
The expiation mentioned encompasses all minor sins committed between prayers. As the scholars explain, major sins require specific repentance (tawbah). The phrase "for all time" indicates this is a perpetual mercy from Allah, not limited to a specific period.
This demonstrates Allah's boundless generosity - that through these acts of worship performed with sincerity and correctness, believers can continuously purify their records of minor transgressions.
The Three Conditions for Acceptance
First: Observing the prayer in its prescribed time demonstrates obedience to Allah's command and recognition of His wisdom in timing.
Second: Proper ablution signifies both physical and spiritual purification, preparing the worshipper to stand before the Divine.
Third: Humility (khushu') and proper bowing represent the completeness of the prayer's physical and spiritual dimensions, engaging both body and heart in worship.
Practical Implications
This hadith encourages Muslims to be diligent about prayer times, maintain ritual purity, and cultivate presence of heart during worship. It transforms the daily prayers from mere routine into a continuous means of spiritual purification and divine mercy.