What are the major sins in Islam?

Question

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah · Accepted Answer

Ibn Taymiyyah defined a major sin (kabirah) as any sin for which a specific punishment is prescribed in this world (hadd), or a threat of the Fire, curse, or wrath in the Hereafter, or a denial of iman from its perpetrator. The seven destroyers mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ (Bukhari, Muslim) are: shirk with Allah, sihr (magic), killing a soul Allah has forbidden, consuming riba, consuming the wealth of an orphan, fleeing on the day of battle, and slandering chaste believing women.

Shaykh Ibn Baz · Answer

Shaykh Ibn Baz, referencing the authentic hadith, explained that the major sins are numerous, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) specifically warned against seven of the most destructive among them, known as 'al-Mubiqat' (the destroyers).

A major sin (kabirah) is generally defined by the scholars as any sin that has a specific punishment prescribed for it in this life (a hadd), a threat of punishment in the Hereafter mentioned in the Qur'an or Sunnah, is associated with a curse from Allah or His Messenger, or is described with a severe negation of faith (e.g., 'he is not a believer who does...').

The seven destructive sins enumerated in the famous hadith are:
1.  **Shirk (Associating partners with Allah):** This is the gravest of all sins and is unforgivable if one dies upon it without repenting.
2.  **Sihr (Witchcraft/Sorcery):** This involves kufr (disbelief) as it often requires seeking help from devils.
3.  **Killing a soul whom Allah has forbidden except by right:** Unlawful killing is a grievous crime against another human being.
4.  **Consuming Riba (Usury/Interest):** Allah and His Messenger have declared war on those who deal in riba.
5.  **Consuming the wealth of an orphan:** This is a grave injustice against the most vulnerable.
6.  **Fleeing from the battlefield:** This is a betrayal of the Muslim community in a time of jihad.
7.  **Slandering chaste, innocent, believing women:** Falsely accusing pious women of immorality is a great evil that spreads corruption.

Shaykh Ibn Baz and other scholars clarify that this list is not exhaustive. Other major sins mentioned in other texts include disobeying one's parents, bearing false witness, drinking alcohol, theft, and adultery. The list of seven highlights some of the most heinous acts that destroy a person's faith and lead to their ruin in this life and the next. It is obligatory upon every Muslim to learn about these sins in order to avoid them and to hasten to sincere repentance if they fall into any of them.

Shaykh Ibn Baz · Answer

Shaykh Ibn Baz explained that the major sins (al-Kaba'ir) are those acts for which Allah has promised Hellfire, His anger, a curse, or a specific punishment in this world. While there are many major sins, the most severe are the seven mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in a well-known hadith, often referred to as the "seven destructive sins" (al-saba' al-mubiqat).

The Shaykh would often cite this hadith as a foundation for understanding the gravity of these particular sins. The hadith states:

"Avoid the seven destructive sins." They said: "O Messenger of Allah, what are they?" He said: "Associating others with Allah (shirk); witchcraft (sihr); killing a soul whom Allah has forbidden to kill except by right; consuming riba (usury); consuming the wealth of an orphan; fleeing from the battlefield; and slandering chaste, innocent believing women."

Shaykh Ibn Baz emphasized that shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the gravest of all sins, as it is the one sin Allah will not forgive if a person dies upon it without repenting. The other sins mentioned are also of extreme severity:
- **Witchcraft:** A form of disbelief that involves seeking help from devils.
- **Unlawful Killing:** A direct violation of the sanctity of human life.
- **Consuming Riba:** Dealing with interest, which is a declaration of war against Allah and His Messenger.
- **Consuming an Orphan's Wealth:** Unjustly taking the property of the most vulnerable.
- **Fleeing the Battlefield:** A cowardly act that endangers the entire Muslim army.
- **Slandering Chaste Women:** Spreading false accusations of immorality against believing women, which destroys honor and spreads corruption.

While this hadith lists seven, the Shaykh clarified that it is not exhaustive. Other narrations mention other major sins like disobeying parents, bearing false witness, and consuming alcohol. However, these seven are highlighted due to their devastating impact on an individual's faith and on society.

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What are the major sins in Islam?

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