Q. We have been hearing that if one were to fast the day of 'Arafah then this would be an expiation for two years' worth of sins and of one were to fast the day of 'Aashoora this would be an expiation for a year's worth of sins and so forth. What if a person fasted all these days-how many years' worth of sins would be forgiven and why bother with 'Aashoora if one already fasted 'Arafah?
A. There are several issues one must take into consideration here. First and foremost, these days have been recommended for us by the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and so the true believer will hasten to observe them as an imitation of him and an act of obedience towards him. As well, one who poses such a question has erred by assuming that whatever he/she has fasted has certainly been accepted. No doubt, one will keep hope in Allaah that He did accept the fasting, but at the same time one must fear that perhaps the fast was not accepted due to some shortcoming(s) on his/her behalf.
Now, assuming that the fasts were perfect and accepted by Allaah then how do we address the question? Al-Imaam an-Nawawi (R) states (in short): If there were minor sins they would be forgiven, and if neither minor nor major sins remained one would have the fast counted as hasanaat (rewards for good deeds) and his/her status would be elevated. And if there were no minor sins remaining and only a major sin(s) then we would hope that these would be lessened.
