Question:

You mentioned that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from God will have his past sins forgiven.” Does this include both major and minor sins as well as the rights of other people? If you can kindly elaborate—may Allah bless you.

Answer:

The hadith is stated in a general manner: “Will have his past sins forgiven” The wording of the hadith indicates generality, implying that all sins are forgiven. However, this generality is restricted by other evidence, which states that major sins must be avoided. The proof is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The five daily (prescribed) Salat, and Friday (prayer) to the next Friday (prayer), and the fasting of Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided.” Based on this, the general meaning of the hadith is specified by the Sunnah, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The fasting of Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided.”

So, dear brother, do not hope for what is not yours, and do not despair of what is rightfully yours. Fast Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, stand in prayer in Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, and rejoice in goodness.

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Taken from binothaimeen.net