“When the imām says: ‘Allah hears those who praise Him,’ then say: ‘O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise.’ For whoever’s statement coincides with that of the angels will have his past sins forgiven.”
Narrated by al-Bukhārī (no. 796) and Muslim (no. 409) from the narration of Abū Hurayrah — may Allah be pleased with him.
Also narrated by Muslim (no. 416) with the wording: “When the saying of the people of the earth coincides with that of the inhabitants of the heaven…”
Brief Explanation of the Hadith
Prayer is a great act of worship that combines words and actions. Specific remembrances have been prescribed in it at particular points, for which the worshipper is rewarded when reciting them with presence of heart and in accordance with the guidance of the Prophet—may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Among these instances is the remembrance said when rising from bowing, as the Prophet—may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him—instructed: “When the imām says: ‘Allah hears those who praise Him,’ then say: ‘O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise…’”
The meaning of “Allah hears those who praise Him” is that Allah answers the supplication of whoever praises and extols Him. The follower then says, “O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise,” meaning: I call upon You, my Lord, while affirming that all praise belongs to You alone and to none besides You. Thus, accept from us our praise, gratitude, and exaltation of You, and respond to our supplication.
Whoever among the congregation says “O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise” in harmony with the angels—matching their words in timing—will have his past sins forgiven. This is because, after the imām says, “Allah hears those who praise Him,” the angels respond, “O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise.” So, when the worshiper says it at the same moment as they do, this concurrence brings about that tremendous reward.
The ḥadīth indicates that the worshiper following the imām should confine himself to saying: “O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise,” and other similar supplications authentically reported in the Sunnah.
The apparent meaning of the ḥadīth is that Allah forgives all of a person’s sins, both minor and major; however, the more precise understanding is that forgiveness here refers to minor sins only. As for major sins, repentance is required for their forgiveness — and Allah’s grace is boundless.