then it is hoped that some of the major sins will be lightened; and if those too are absent, his rank is elevated.”

Imām al-Ḥaramayn said: “Every report that speaks of the expiation of sins, in my view, applies to the minor sins, not to the grave, destructive ones.”

Al-Nawawī added: “Clear evidence supports this. Among it is the ḥadīth of ʿUthmān, who said, ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “No Muslim who is present for a prescribed prayer and perfects its ablution, its humility, and its bowing fails to have it serve as an expiation for the sins committed before it—so long as he does not commit a major sin. That is true for all time.” ’ Reported by Muslim (335).”

Abū Hurayrah likewise reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The five daily prayers and from one Friday to the next are an expiation for whatever lies between them, provided the major sins are not committed.” Reported by Muslim.

7 – Shaykh al-Islām said: The days of Dhu al-Ḥijjah are superior to the ten days of Ramadan, whereas the nights of the last ten of Ramadan surpass the nights of the ten of Dhu al-Ḥijjah.

Ibn al-Qayyim explained: That is because there are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than the ten days of Dhu al-Ḥijjah, while the nights of the ten of Ramadan contain Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.

8 – The ḥadīth also indicates the recommendation of fasting every Monday, for on this blessed day Allah bestowed upon the Muslims three tremendous favors: the birth of the Prophet ﷺ; his being sent as a Messenger, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner to this community; and, third, the revelation of the Noble Qur’an. These are unquestionably immense blessings with which Allah distinguished Monday, making it a day of joy that calls for our gratitude—and gratitude to Allah is shown through worshipping Him.

9 – Merit has likewise been reported for fasting every Thursday, for Imām Aḥmad