It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, acknowledging its limits and guarding it as it should be, then it will expiate the sins which came before it."

This narration emphasizes that the reward of forgiveness is tied to our mindfulness. It is not enough to simply abstain from food; we must actively guard our fast by respecting its spiritual boundaries. This includes avoiding backbiting, anger, and ill-speech. By treating the fast with the sanctity it deserves and staying within the limits set by Allah, we ensure that our efforts result in a complete cleansing of our past mistakes.