Major Sins in Islam: A Comprehensive Guide

In Islam, sins are those acts which have been prohibited in the light of Quran and Hadith. They are divided into two categories, major (kabir) and minors (sagha’ir). Major sins are those that will result in Allah’s wrath and punishment in this world and the Hereafter. These sins have to be avoided at all cost for the sake of faith and mercy.

What Are the Major Sins in Islam?

In Islam, major sins are referred to actions deemed which are clearly prohibited within the Qur’an and Hadith. These sins often are accompanied by dire consequences such as punishment in the grave, Hellfire, or being cursed by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Unlike minor sins which can be expunged through ongoing deeds of devotion, major sins necessitate sincere repentance (Tawbah).

7 Major Sins in Islam:

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlighted seven deadly sins in a hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim who carry severe implications:

• Shirk (Making someone partner with Allah’s authority and oneness) – The greatest sin, as it contradicts Tawhid (monotheism).
• Sihr (Magic and sorcery) – Seeking supernatural powers from jinn or demons.
• Murder – Unjustly taking a human life is severely condemned in Islam.
• Consuming Riba (Usury or Interest) – Engaging in interest-based transactions, which exploit people.
• Consuming the Wealth of Orphans Unjustly – Exploiting the property or inheritance of orphans.
• Fleeing from the Battlefield – Abandoning fellow Muslims in a just war is considered a grave sin.
• Accusing Chaste Women of Adultery – Making false accusations of immorality without proof.

10 Major Sins in Islam:

While the above seven sins are extremely serious, Islamic scholars list more than 70 major sins based on Quranic verses and hadith. Here are ten major sins in Islam that every Muslim should avoid:

• Shirk (Polytheism)
• Disrespecting Parents
• Engaging in Riba (Usury/Interest)
• Unjust Killing
• Practicing Black Magic
• Zina (Adultery and Fornication)
• False Testimony
• Drinking Alcohol and Intoxicants
• Stealing and Fraud
• Not Performing Obligatory Prayers

List of Major Sins in Islam:

Islamic scholars, including Imam Al-Dhahabi in his famous book Al-Kabair, have compiled an extensive list of major sins in Islam, which includes but is not limited to:

• Gambling
• Bribery
• Lying and false oaths
• Breaking promises
• Being arrogant and prideful
• Eating haram food
• Abandoning family ties
• Backbiting and slander

The Consequences of Major Sins in Islam:

The great sins in Islam are associated with divine retribution, calamity, and loss of spiritual insight. Yet, Allah is always Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving), and Al-Rahim (The Most Merciful). Should a person truly repents from a sinful action, refrains from repeating it, and seeks forgiveness, Allah, may, erase their previous misdeeds.

How to Seek Forgiveness for Major Sins:

• Repentance (Tawbah): Genuine concentration of heart and intent to abandon the sin.
• Asking for Forgiveness: label with Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah).
• Performing Good Deeds: Fasting, charity, and prayer serve in the erasure of past sins.
• Returning Rights: A misdeed which violated the rights of another makes the person seek their forgiveness first if it concerns.

Final Thoughts:

Muslims seeking to live a pious life are required to learn about the major sins of Islam and how to avoid them. Not committing these major sins and continually repenting for minor ones increases a person’s Iman (faith) and brings them closer to Allah’s mercy. Equally as important to sins is, is nurturing and improving a person’s relationship with Allah. An example would be learning the correct articulation and pronunciation of the words of the Quran. In the event that you wish to enhance your Quran recitation skills, We offer online Quran recitation courses which are aimed at helping you in your quest for spiritual transformation.. May Allah inspire us to refrain from the great sins and grant us Divine direction. Ameen.