Eman Sakina

A Muslim should steer clear of all sins, major and minor ones. A faithful Muslim takes care of every utterance or deed, avoiding anything that makes him subject to the punishment of Allah and His Wrath.

Friday Musings

The major sins are those acts that have been forbidden by Allah in the Qur’an and by His Messenger Prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah, and which have been made clear by the actions of the first righteous generation of Muslims, the Companions of the Prophet. Allah Almighty says: “If you avoid the major (part) of what you have been forbidden (to do), We will cancel out for you your (other) evil deeds and will admit you (to Paradise) with a noble entry.” (An-Nisaa’:31)

In Islam, sins are categorized into major and minor sins, with major sins carrying graver consequences. Major sins, also known as "kaba'ir" in Arabic, are those actions and behaviors that are explicitly forbidden in the Quran and Hadith and lead to severe punishment if committed deliberately and without repentance. Understanding these major sins is crucial for Muslims, as avoiding them is a fundamental aspect of leading a righteous life. Here are some of the major sins in Islam:

1. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah):

Shirk is the gravest sin in Islam, and it involves associating partners with Allah or attributing His exclusive divine attributes to others. It is the only sin that Allah does not forgive if one dies without repentance. The Quran says, "Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills" (Quran 4:48).

2. Committing Murder (Taking a Life Unjustly):

Taking the life of another human being unjustly is one of the major sins in Islam. The Quran says, "And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right" (Quran 17:33). Murder is considered a severe crime and a violation of the sanctity of life.

3. Engaging in Usury (Riba):

Usury, or the charging of interest on loans, is strictly prohibited in Islam. Allah says in the Quran, "Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stand who is being beaten by Satan into insanity" (Quran 2:275). Riba is considered exploitative and detrimental to society.

4. Fornication and Adultery:

Engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage is a major sin in Islam. The Quran says, "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way" (Quran 17:32). Adultery is considered a violation of the sanctity of marriage and family.

5. Consuming Intoxicants (Alcohol and Drugs):

Alcohol and drugs are intoxicants that impair judgment and lead to harmful consequences. The Quran says, "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful" (Quran 5:90).

6. Engaging in Theft:

Stealing, or taking another person's property without their consent, is strictly forbidden in Islam. The Quran says, "And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity" (Quran 6:152). Theft is considered a violation of the rights of others and a breach of trust.

7. Backbiting and Slander:

Speaking ill of others behind their back, spreading rumors, and slandering their reputation are major sins in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Do you know what is backbiting?... It is to mention something about your brother that he would dislike" (Sahih Muslim). Backbiting and slander are considered harmful to society and destructive to relationships.

8. Disobeying Parents:

Disobeying or disrespecting one's parents is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran says, "But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you do not know, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness" (Quran 31:15). Respecting and obeying parents is considered one of the most important duties in Islam.

9. Breaking Promises and Contracts:

Breaking promises and contracts is a major sin in Islam. The Quran says, "And fulfill the covenant. Indeed, the covenant is ever [that about which one will be] questioned" (Quran 17:34). Honoring agreements and fulfilling promises are essential principles in Islamic ethics.

10. Arrogance and Pride:

Arrogance and pride are major sins that are condemned in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "No one who has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). Humility and modesty are highly valued virtues in Islam.

ALSO READ: Army's unique institute that uses faith to cement India's diversity

Avoiding these sins and seeking forgiveness for any past transgressions are essential for Muslims striving to lead a righteous life. While humans are prone to error, sincere repentance and seeking Allah's forgiveness can lead to spiritual purification and redemption. As mentioned in the Quran, "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know" (Quran 3:135).