that with regard to hadiths such as these, which encourage deeds that bring about the forgiveness of sins, a servant should not rely upon them and give himself free rein to commit sins and transgressions. This poor wretch may imagine that he has performed a deed by which he has secured the forgiveness of all his sins. This is the height of foolishness and ignorance. How do you know, you deluded man, that Allah has accepted this deed of yours and consequently forgiven your sins, when Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says, “Allah accepts only from the righteous” [al-Mā'idah: 27]?

Be mindful of this and take heed. Know that Satan has many ways of gaining access to a person, so beware—beware lest he gain access to you through this door!

Allah has described His believing servants as performing righteous deeds and striving earnestly in acts of obedience, while their hearts nevertheless remain fearful and apprehensive that their deeds may be rejected and flung back in their faces. The Most High says, “And those who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will return to their Lord—it is they who hasten to perform good deeds and are foremost in them” [al-Mu'minūn: 60–61].

The interpretation of this verse that we have related is the view held by the majority of Quran commentators.

In al-Jāmi' (12/132), al-Qurtubī cites al-Hasan as saying, “We encountered people who were more afraid that their good deeds would be rejected than you are afraid that you will be punished for your evil deeds.” End quote.

Know also that the hadith does not encompass sins involving the rights of other people. Rather, those rights must be restored to their owners, and sincere repentance must be made for such sins.” (1) End quote.

Fourth: No acceptable report has been transmitted specifying what should be recited in its units or specifying a particular time for it.