Hadith Text & Reference

"Whoever spends the night of Ramadan in prayer (Qiyam) out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins."

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2201 | The Book of Fasting

Meaning & Significance

This noble hadith establishes the immense virtue of performing Qiyam (night prayer) during Ramadan nights, particularly Tarawih prayers. The phrase "out of faith" indicates sincere belief in Allah's promise, while "in the hope of reward" shows pure intention seeking only divine pleasure.

The comprehensive forgiveness promised encompasses all previous minor sins, provided major sins have been repented from. This demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy and the special status of Ramadan as a month of spiritual purification.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains that "the night of Ramadan" refers to any night during the holy month, with Laylat al-Qadr being the most virtuous. The scholars agree that this includes the Tarawih prayers performed in congregation.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that the combination of fasting by day and praying by night exemplifies complete devotion, with each act strengthening the other. The forgiveness is conditional upon avoiding major sins and maintaining proper intention throughout.

Al-Munawi emphasizes that this forgiveness manifests Allah's generosity, transforming nights of worship into means of spiritual cleansing and drawing closer to the Divine.

Practical Implementation

Muslims should strive to perform Tarawih prayers in congregation when possible, following the sunnah of praying eight or twenty rak'ahs as practiced in various authentic traditions.

One should maintain consistency throughout Ramadan, not just during the first few nights. The entire month should be approached with increased devotion, recitation of Qur'an, and supplication during night prayers.

The heart must be present with humility and concentration, remembering that the quantity of prayer is secondary to the quality of one's presence before Allah.