In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.” (Muslim)
Uthman bin Affan (MAPH) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) saying: “When the time for a prescribed Salat is due and a Muslim performs its Wudu’ and its acts of bowing and prostration properly, this Salat will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he does not commit major sins, and this applies for ever.” (Muslim)
Commentary: The first Hadith elucidates that the minor sins committed during the interval of the five prescribed Salat and in the period intervening between one Jumu’ah and the other are pardoned with the performance of the five-time prescribed Salat and the Jumu’ah prayer, provided one does not commit major sins which are not forgiven without repentance. Sins like Shirk (associating someone with Allah in worship), disobedience of parents, false oath, false evidence, encroachment on an orphan’s property, calumny against chaste women, etc., fall in the category of major sins and will not be forgiven by means of Salat only.
The second Hadith stresses the importance of performing Salat with all its essential prerequisites, i.e. Wudu’ and concentration of mind. Such a Salat will expiate the sins.
SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him
Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 187, Page 310, No 1045
Hadith 2: Chapter 187, Page 310, No 1046