The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2192

The Messenger of Allah used to encourage the people to pray Qiyam in Ramadan, without insisting on that. He said: "Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i highlights the immense virtue of performing Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer) during Ramadan, known as Tarawih. The Prophet's gentle encouragement without compulsion reflects the Islamic principle of facilitating worship while preserving spiritual sincerity.

"Out of faith" (imanan) indicates the believer's conviction in Allah's promise, while "hope of reward" (ihtisaban) signifies performing deeds solely for divine pleasure. The comprehensive forgiveness of previous sins demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, provided one avoids major sins requiring separate repentance.

The scholars note that this forgiveness encompasses minor sins, as major sins require specific tawbah. The timing in Ramadan amplifies the reward, as good deeds in this month are multiplied exponentially. The collective performance of Tarawih in mosques preserves this blessed tradition while maintaining the voluntary nature the Prophet emphasized.