Introduction
In Islam, there are some sins that are considered “major” because of their serious nature and gravity. These major sins, also sometimes referred to as cardinal sins or al-Kaba’ir, often violate clear commandments in the Quran and Hadith, harm society, and threaten a person’s faith. The seven biggest of these major sins are often defined as shirk (idolatry/associating partners with Allah), murder, riba (usury/interest), unlawfully consuming the wealth of orphans, fleeing from the battlefield, slandering chaste women, and disobeying one’s parents.
Understanding what constitutes a major sin can help Muslims uphold their duties, stay disciplined on the Straight Path, and earn the pleasure of Allah. Avoiding and immediately repenting for sins are key. As Allah is Al-Ghaffar, the All-Forgiving, there is always hope for redemption, even from major sins, through sincere tawbah (repentance). This article will explore the 7 major sins in Islam, why they have such a weighty status, what the prescribed remedies are, consequences of committing them, and Allah’s stance on ultimately forgiving even the biggest sins if one’s repentance is sincere enough and one strives for redemption.
What are the 7 Major Sins in Islam?
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described what are considered the worst and greatest of sins in Islam. There are differences of opinion between scholars on the exact list, but most agree on the seven major sins, which each violate explicit Quranic commandments. They are as follows:
1. Shirk (Idolatry/Associating Partners with Allah)
Shirk refers to the sin of idolatry or polytheism – the act of ascribing partners to Allah or worshipping others beside Him. This violates the primary tenet of Islam that Allah is One and alone is worthy of worship. Examples include praying to idols, ascribing divine attributes to anything other than Allah Himself, or believing that other deities hold Allah’s powers. It is the only unforgivable sin if one dies without having repented from it.
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Quran 4:48)
2. Murder
The unlawful and intentional killing of a human being is one of the worst sins. It represents violation of the sanctity of human life that Allah has made sacred. Only taking a life under truly justified circumstances such as through the death penalty and as retribution for murder is permitted in Islam.
“…whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Quran 5:32)
3. Riba (Usury/Interest)
Riba refers to the act of usury and charging interest, especially exorbitantly high rates that take advantage of others’ difficulties. While some interpret riba narrowly to refer to interest on loans, most scholars prohibit all attempts to unfairly increase capital at the expense of exploitation. Islam strongly condemns such exploitative practices.
“Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest (riba).” (Quran 2:275)
4. Consuming the wealth of orphans
Misappropriating, devouring, or stealing the wealth that belongs to orphans with no justification is strictly forbidden by the Quran. It offers stern warnings for those who take the property of the weak and vulnerable without right.
“Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire…” (Quran 4:10)
5. Fleeing from the battlefield
Abandoning the battlefield to flee in fear from the enemy during jihad or defensive war is condemned in the Quran. It spreads fear, harms the war effort, and goes against standing up courageously for a just cause.
“…and whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah…” (Quran 8:15-16)
6. Slandering chaste women
Spreading lies, accusations, or scandalous gossip about righteous, modest, faithful women who may be falsely accused is considered an enormous sin. Their reputations and dignity must be respected and protected from malicious slander.
“Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter…” (Quran 24:23)
7. Disobeying parents
Disobeying just commands from parents and causing them distress without justification has been described as one of the greatest sins. Being dutiful, kind and respectful to parents is a duty second only to worshipping Allah for Muslims.
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents…” (Quran 17:23)
Why are these considered major sins?
These seven sins all have serious punishments described in the Quran and Ahadith. They violate clear divine commandments that form the moral foundations of Islam. Additionally, scholars have offered wisdom for why they have such weighty designations:
They violate clear commandments in the Quran and Hadith
Each of these sins contradicts explicit verses of the Quran or sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) commanding Muslims to avoid them. They go against foundational Islamic beliefs, laws, values and ethics that aim to protect faith, life, intellect, lineage and property.
They harm society and relationships between people
Most of these major sins are destructive to the social fabric. They undermine trust, rights, lives, and the health of relationships. Allowing them to openly occur without check leads down a slippery slope into wider societal problems, breakdown of law and order, exploitation, and injustice.
They can lead to further sins and destructive behavior
Committing major sins often opens the door to sinking deeper into vice, immorality and deviations from Islam. When unlawfully taking life or wealth is made easy, it leads to erosion of morality and more complex injustices. Sins can be addictive and breed more sins.
What does Islam say about avoiding and repenting for major sins?
Islam makes clear believers should avoid situations that could lead to major sins, immediately seek forgiveness if they occur, and take steps to repair their mistakes or prevent further wrongdoing. Key principles taught about sins include:
Having sincere faith protects against major sins
When faith in Allah and awareness of His omnipresence governs hearts, people become more conscious and able to resist sins. Allah promises true believers who earnestly turn to Him shall have their major sins expiated:
“…And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated.” (Quran 25:68-69)
Avoid situations leading to sins
Muslims are encouraged not to put themselves into tempting situations that surround them with sin. This could include dangerous places, times, gatherings with bad influences, or isolation where lack of accountability can lead to moral failures. Wise precautions prepares them better to resist sin:
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Quran 17:32)
Seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent immediately
If a sin does occur, immediately turning to Allah in tawbah (repentance) and asking His Forgiveness is imperative, rather than delay. This stops it from desensitizing one’s heart and potentially propagating further:
“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by sinning], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins…” (Quran 3:135)
Undo the wrong or compensate victims
Part of sincere repentance entails attempting to compensate victims if possible, or taking steps to prevent future recurrences of the sin. This sets right the wrongdoing rather than leaving its harm unchecked.
“…And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed…” (Quran 16:126)
Have hope in Allah’s mercy for sins
So long as one strives to avoid sins, immediately repents with humility when falling short, and does righteous deeds otherwise, hope must be maintained in the expansive mercy of Allah:
“Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)
Consequences of committing major sins
While Allah is ready to Forgive sins without limit for sincere repenters, committing frequent major sins unchecked still comes with dire consequences in this life and the next:
Punishment in the Hereafter
Grave punishments in the Hellfire and deprivation of Paradise are promised for unrepented, brazen major sins should one die without making amends and earning Allah’s Mercy. They render good deeds void:
“If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance [into Paradise]” (Quran 4:31)
Hardening of the heart
Repeatedly committing sins desensitizes the heart, making it more difficult to discern right from wrong, weakening one’s moral consciousness and resolve for further restraint. This is a dangerous predicament:
“No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.” (Quran 83:14)
Distancing yourself from Allah
Major sins erect barriers between man and Allah, depriving one of experiencing the sweetness of faith, wisdom, peace, and intimacy with the Divine that obedience facilitates:
“…And when they commit an immorality, they say: ‘We found our fathers doing it, and Allah has ordered us to do it.’ Say: ‘Allah does not order immorality…” (Quran 7:28)
Damage to society and relationships
Widespread sinfulness corrodes social harmony and morality, breeding strife, injustice, exploitation, and mistrust between people in communities:
“And those who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and spread corruption on earth – for them is the curse, and they will have the worst home…” (Quran 13:25)
Difficulty in spiritual progress
Remaining heedless to the serious dangers of sins and avoiding repentance leaves souls stagnant, stranded from moral progress on the path of worship. One remains deprived of the proximity to Allah that motivates awe and conscientiousness.
“Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter – We increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this world – We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any share.” (Quran 42:20)
Can major sins be forgiven?
Despite their gravity, having committed major sins does not close the door on forgiveness and reconciliation with Allah most High. He readily accepts sincere repentance and transformation of even the biggest sinners among His servants:
Allah is All-Forgiving toward sincere repentance
Allah’s limitless Mercy supersedes His Wrath so long as one seeks redemption humbly, strives in righteous deeds, and reforms one’s ways wholeheartedly. With genuine tawbah, He promises to replace sins with good deeds:
“Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 25:70)
Have hope and turn wholeheartedly to Allah
No matter how numerous or ugly one’s sins, hope must not be lost in the unbelievable Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah. He calls even the worst of sinners to turn to Him in repentance to have past sins erased and gain eternal salvation:
“Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)
Transformation and redemption are possible
Some of the greatest prophets and saints of Islam committed major sins prior to their reformation and rise to nearness with Allah. He chooses whom He pleases for His Forgiveness and Paradise. Redemption for major sinners is not impossible:
“And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far…” (Quran 50:31)
Avoid despair and hopelessness
No quantity or quality of one’s wrongdoings warrants losing hope in the expansiveness of Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy. His Kindness supersedes wrath. Muslims must continually renew faith, hope, and turning sincerely back to Allah after every moral lapse:
“Say: O ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)
Conclusion: Strive to avoid major sins and immediately seek forgiveness
In Islam, committing “major” sins or al-Kaba’ir that violate clear primary commandments threatens one’s faith and relationship with the Divine. The seven considered among the worst or biggest are idolatry, murder, usury, misusing wealth of orphans, fleeing battle, slandering chaste women, and disobeying parents. While Allah does not burden souls beyond what they can bear, and Forgives endlessly for whomever sincerely seeks redemption, Muslims must avoid situations leading to major sins and promptly repent if falling short. With faith, hope and moral discipline – turning wholeheartedly back to Allah in tawbah and obedience – even the biggest sins and most destructive mistakes do not close off His expansive Forgiveness and Mercy.
FAQs
1. Can all sins be forgiven?
Yes, Allah can forgive any sin so long as one sincerely repents to Him before death, except for dying in a state of shirk (idolatry or polytheism). Allah has said he will forgive all else for true believers who repent.
2. Is there a hierarchy of sins in Islam?
Yes, scholars have categorized sins from lesser to major based on textual evidence. Sins like murder, idolatry and usury are considered among the “biggest” or worst and violate clear primary commandments with severity of punishment. But repentance is always possible.
3. What should you do if you have committed a major sin?
If one commits a major sin, they should seek Allah’s forgiveness immediately, feel deep remorse, intend never to repeat the sin again, repent sincerely from it, try to rectify its harm or undo the injustice if possible, and be more conscious about avoiding environments conducive to sin.
4. How can you tell if something is a major sin?
If there is a clear, strongly worded prohibition of something in the Quran and Sunnah with a dire warning of punishment, scholars consider this a major sin. Additionally, if it violates the primary objectives of Shariah or causes immense individual/societal harm, it likely falls under major sins.
5. What is the greatest sin in Islam?
The greatest and absolutely worst sin of all considered unforgivable if one dies without tawbah is shirk akbar – associating partners with Allah in worship, belief or attribution of divine qualities to other than Him. This violates the core tenet of Islam that Allah is One without equal. All else may be
