Hadith Text & Reference

"The five prayers, and Al-Jumuah (the Friday prayer) to Al-Jumuah are atonement for what is between them, as long as the major sins have not been committed."

Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 214 | The Book on Salat (Prayer) by Imam at-Tirmidhi

Meaning & Significance

This noble hadith establishes that the five daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayer serve as expiation for minor sins committed between them. The Prophet ﷺ clarifies that this atonement applies specifically to minor transgressions, while major sins require sincere repentance (tawbah).

The prayers act as a continuous purification mechanism for the believer, washing away minor faults regularly. This demonstrates Allah's immense mercy in providing ongoing opportunities for spiritual cleansing through acts of worship.

Conditions for Atonement

The phrase "as long as the major sins have not been committed" indicates that kabā'ir (major sins) are not forgiven by prayers alone. Major sins include shirk, murder, witchcraft, consuming riba, etc., which require specific repentance.

Scholars explain that avoiding major sins is a condition for the minor sins to be forgiven through prayers. This encourages Muslims to abstain from grave transgressions while maintaining their obligatory prayers.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi states: "This hadith contains tremendous encouragement for performing prayers properly and highlights their great virtue in erasing sins."

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments: "The prayers serve as a continuous purification like flowing water that cleanses minor impurities. Just as the body needs regular cleaning, the soul needs regular purification from sins."

The specification of "between them" indicates the timeframe - daily prayers atone for sins between them, while Friday prayer atones for the entire week.

Practical Implications

This hadith should increase our consciousness during prayer, knowing it serves as spiritual cleansing. It encourages consistency in performing prayers at their proper times.

Muslims should understand that while prayers forgive minor sins, major sins require additional steps: immediate cessation, regret, determination not to return, and making amends if others' rights were violated.