Tirmidhi

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues:
A human being continually commits various types of sins and errors. Therefore, different acts of worship become expiation for different sins: some are forgiven through ablution (wudu), some are expiated by prayer (salah), and some sins are forgiven by attending Friday (Jumu‘ah) prayer. Some are forgiven through fasting (sawm), and similarly, there are other acts of worship as well. However, the filth and impurity of major sins (kabirah) are so severe, and their evil effects are so deep and entrenched, that their removal can only be achieved through repentance (tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar).

Yes, if Allah, the Exalted, bestows special mercy upon someone and forgives them without this, then His grace and generosity are extremely vast; He is not bound by anything.

It is stated in the Noble Qur’an:
“If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your minor misdeeds.” ( an-Nisa: 31)

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:

Mā lam tughsha:
The original meaning of "ghishyan" is "to come to someone." It is said: "ghashiya fulānan" — "he came to so-and-so." Here, the intended meaning is the committing of sins, which is later described as "ijtināb al-kabā'ir," that is, refraining from major sins.

Benefit:

➊ Minor sins are forgiven due to the blessing of good deeds.

➋ Major sins are forgiven only through repentance (tawbah).

➌ There are some major sins such that, in their presence, minor sins are not forgiven even if good deeds are performed.