Hadith Text

"Abu Hurairah told me that the Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer (Qiyam) out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins, and whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins."'

Source Reference

The Book of Fasting, Sunan an-Nasa'i, Hadith 2206

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes two great opportunities for divine forgiveness during Ramadan. The first concerns performing night prayers (Tahajjud/Qiyam) throughout Ramadan, while the second specifically addresses the Night of Decree (Lailat Al-Qadr).

The phrase "out of faith" (imanan) indicates the necessity of correct belief in Allah's promise and performing the action with sincerity. "In the hope of reward" (ihtisaban) signifies performing deeds solely for Allah's pleasure, not for show or worldly gain.

Scholars explain that "previous sins" refers to minor sins, as major sins require specific repentance. The repetition of the forgiveness promise for both general Ramadan nights and specifically Lailat Al-Qadr emphasizes the extraordinary virtue of this blessed month and the special status of the Night of Power.

This hadith encourages Muslims to maximize worship during Ramadan nights, particularly seeking Lailat Al-Qadr in the last ten nights, as mentioned in other authentic narrations.