The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays Qiyam during Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins."
The Book of Qiyam Al-Lail (The Night Prayer) and Voluntary Prayers During the Day - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1603
Hadith Text
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays Qiyam during 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 performing night prayers during Ramadan. The phrase "out of faith" (imanan) indicates the prayer must be performed with correct belief in its obligation and virtue, while "in the hope of reward" (ihtisaban) signifies performing it sincerely for Allah's pleasure alone.
The scholars explain that "previous sins" refers to minor sins, as major sins require specific repentance. This forgiveness demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, making Ramadan a season for spiritual purification. The night prayer (Qiyam) includes Tarawih and Tahajjud, with the former being a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet.
This hadith encourages Muslims to revive the nights of Ramadan with worship, combining the virtues of night prayer with the special status of Ramadan - the month when the Qur'an was revealed and gates of Paradise are opened.