The Gravity of Major Sins in Islam

Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of following a righteous path that leads to the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and the attainment of eternal salvation. Muslims believe that every person is accountable for their deeds in front of Allah (SWT), and there are certain actions that are considered major sins or “kabirah” in Islam. These sins not only lead to the displeasure of Allah (SWT), but they also carry severe punishments in this life and the Hereafter.

1. Shirk: The greatest sin in Islam is shirk, which means associating partners with Allah (SWT). The Quran states:

📖Quran 4:48
Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.

• This verse from the Quran emphasizes the gravity of shirk, the sin of associating partners with Allah. Allah does not forgive this sin, but He may forgive lesser sins for those whom He wills. The act of committing shirk is considered a tremendous sin, implying that it is one of the most severe transgressions one can commit.

2. Murder: Taking the life of an innocent person is one of the major sins in Islam. The Quran states:

4. Theft: Taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission is a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 25:68-6
Sahih International
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.

• This verse from the Quran declares theft as a major sin and prescribes the amputation of the hands of the male and female thieves as a deterrent punishment. The verse emphasizes that this punishment is from Allah, who is described as Exalted in Might and Wise. It underscores the importance of upholding justice and deterring criminal behavior.

5. Alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol or any other intoxicants is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 5:90
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.

• This verse from the Quran highlights the major sins of indulging in intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing on stone alters to other than Allah, and divining arrows. The verse warns that these activities are defiling and the work of Satan, and calls upon believers to avoid them in order to achieve success. By prohibiting these major sins, the verse emphasizes the importance of leading a righteous and pure life, free from the temptations of Satan.

6. Consuming interest (Riba) is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 2:275
Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, “Trade is [just] like interest.” But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah . But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.

📖Quran 4:161
And [for] their taking of usury while they had been forbidden from it, and their consuming of the people’s wealth unjustly. And we have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.

• These verses and others in the Quran emphasize the seriousness of engaging in Riba and warn of severe consequences in both this life and the hereafter for those who do not abstain from it.

7. Lying and backbiting is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 49:12
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

8. Sorcery and black magic is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 2:102
And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, “We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].” And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah . And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.

• This verse describes how the devils taught people magic and how the two angels, Harut and Marut, were sent down to Babylon as a trial to teach people not to practice magic. It also mentions that the people who practice magic will have no share in the Hereafter.

9. Disobeying parents is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 17:23
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

• This verse emphasizes the importance of worshipping only Allah and treating parents with kindness and respect, especially in old age. It prohibits even a minor expression of annoyance towards them and encourages speaking to them in a gentle and respectful manner.

10. Oppression and injustice is considered a major sin in Islam. The Quran states:

📖Quran 42:40
And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah . Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

• This verse emphasizes the principle of justice and forgiveness in Islam. It states that those who commit wrongdoings will receive a punishment that is commensurate with the severity of their actions, but believers are also encouraged to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, which is considered a virtuous act in the eyes of Allah.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are some of the major sins in Islam that are considered the most serious violations of the teachings of Islam. Muslims believe that avoiding these sins and striving to follow the teachings of Islam leads to a righteous and successful life in this world and the Hereafter. It is important to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for any sins committed and to make a sincere effort to avoid them in the future. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The best of sinners are those who repent.

In Islam, seeking forgiveness for one’s sins is an important part of the religion, and Allah (SWT) is known to be the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful. Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness for their sins and to make a sincere effort to avoid committing them in the future. However, it’s important to note that seeking forgiveness for a sin does not automatically absolve a person from its consequences, either in this world or in the Hereafter. Muslims believe that a person must take responsibility for their actions and make amends for any harm caused by their wrongdoing. In addition to seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT), it’s important to seek forgiveness from anyone who may have been harmed by one’s actions. This may involve apologizing and making restitution, if possible. In Islam, forgiveness is seen as a two-way process, and it’s important to seek forgiveness from those who have been wronged, as well as from Allah (SWT). Ultimately, it is up to Allah (SWT) to decide whether or not to forgive a person for their sins, and only He knows the sincerity of a person’s repentance. Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness and to strive to improve their actions and behavior in the future, but it is important to take responsibility for one’s actions and to make amends for any harm caused.