Part 2: “Fasting Expiates Sins” by Imam al-`Izz Ibn `Abd Al-Salam

Part 2:

“Fasting is an Expiation for Sins”

– Imam al-`Izz Ibn `Abd Al-Salam

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“As for expiation of sins (takfir al-khati’at), this is based on what he [s: the Messenger of Allah] – upon him be blessings and peace said: ‘One Ramadan to another is expiation [s: for the sins committed] in between them so longs as major sins were avoided…’[1] And based on what he – upon him be peace – said: ‘Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with true belief and conviction as well as out of hope of attaining reward [s: from Allah], all his past sins will be forgiven’…”[2] This means: ‘if one believes in it being a duty [s: ordained by Allah] and in hope of attaining reward from his Lord for doing it’….”[3]

Notes:

1. Fasting is a means of sins and wrongdoing being forgiven – this encourages a person to perform it.
2. Fasting is an expression of Allah’s Mercy and Benevolence and so a serious believer ought to reflect on the great benefits of fasting as well as Allah’s unbounded attributes of Mercy and Kindness.
3. Fasting if coupled with awareness of the duty being a commandment of Allah as well as awareness that only Allah can reward for its performance, is cause for sins being forgiven within a bracket of at least one year (= one Ramadan to another).

ولله الحمد

s.z.c.

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[1] Muslim, Sahih (#233) and Ahmad, al-Musnad, 2/400.

[2] Bukhari, Sahih (#233) and Muslim, Sahih (#760).

[3] Imam al-`Izz Ibn `Abd al-Salam, Maqasid al-Sawm, p.15.

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