The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2205

Hadith Text

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins."'

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the immense virtue of fasting Ramadan with proper intention. The phrase "out of faith" (imanan) indicates the fasting must be accompanied by sincere belief in Allah's commandment, while "in the hope of reward" (ihtisaban) signifies performing the fast solely for Allah's pleasure, seeking His divine recompense.

The forgiveness promised encompasses all minor sins, as major sins require specific repentance. This demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, granting complete spiritual purification to those who fulfill this pillar of Islam with proper conviction and expectation of divine reward.

Scholars emphasize that this comprehensive forgiveness is contingent upon maintaining the fast's conditions: abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations during daylight hours, while simultaneously guarding one's tongue, limbs, and heart from prohibited matters.