In Islam, sins are not all equal, some acts bring Allah’s displeasure, while others completely destroy faith and invite His wrath. These are known as Major Sins (Al-Kabair), the gravest transgressions that threaten a believer’s relationship with Allah and endanger salvation in the Hereafter. Understanding these sins is not just a matter of knowledge; it is a matter of survival for the soul.
Major sins in Islam are the acts for which Allah or His Messenger (peace be upon him) has prescribed a severe punishment; whether in this world, the grave, or the Hereafter. They include acts like shirk (associating partners with Allah), murder, adultery, dealing in interest, disobedience to parents, and others clearly mentioned in the Quran and authentic Hadith.
Avoiding these sins is a sign of true faith, humility, and fear of Allah. A Muslim who sincerely strives to stay away from major sins and repents for past wrongs is promised forgiveness and Paradise. Allah says in the Quran:
Arabic:
إِن تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَنُدْخِلْكُم مُّدْخَلًا كَرِيمًا
Transliteration: In tajtanibu kabaira ma tunhawna anhu nukaffir ankum sayyiatikum wa nudkhilkum mudkhalan karima
Translation: “If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your minor sins and admit you into a noble entrance (Paradise).” – (Surah An-Nisa 4:31)
This verse beautifully shows Allah’s immense mercy that by simply avoiding major sins and turning to Him in repentance, a believer can gain forgiveness and eternal peace. Knowing the reality of major sins in Islam is vital for every believer who wishes to protect their Iman (faith) and gain Allah’s mercy. But to avoid them, one must first understand what actually qualifies as a major sin and how the Quran and Sunnah define them.
Let us now explore what the major sins (Al-Kabair) truly are, how they are identified, and why it is essential for a Muslim to recognize and stay away from them.
What Are Major Sins (Al-Kabair)?
In Islamic teachings, sins are generally divided into two categories: minor sins (Sagha’ir) and major sins (Kabair). The difference lies not just in the severity of the act, but in its consequences, punishment, and the level of disobedience it represents against Allah Almighty.
The term “Al-Kabair” (plural of Kabirah, meaning a grave or major sin) refers to those actions that bring upon a believer the wrath of Allah, a fixed punishment (Hadd), a curse (La’nah), or a warning of Hellfire if not repented for sincerely.
Quranic Definition of Major Sins
The Quran identifies major sins as those that cause immense harm to one’s faith and society. Allah mentions them multiple times, warning believers to stay away from these destructive acts. Allah says:
Arabic:
الَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ إِلَّا اللَّمَمَ
Transliteration: Alladhina yajtani buna kabaira al-ithmi wal fawahisha illa allamam
Translation: “Those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, except for small faults, indeed your Lord is vast in forgiveness.” – (Surah An-Najm 53:32)
This verse clearly separates major sins (Kabair) from minor sins (Lamam), showing that Allah’s mercy covers the latter if one avoids the former.
Scholarly Explanations of Major Sins
Islamic scholars throughout history have deeply discussed what constitutes a major sin. Let’s look at how some of the greatest scholars of Islam defined and categorized them:
- Imam Ibn Abbas (RA), the great companion and scholar of the Quran, said: “Every sin that Allah has threatened with Hellfire, anger, or curse is a major sin.”
- Imam Al-Dhahabi (RA) in his famous work Kitab al-Kabair listed over seventy major sins, including shirk, murder, witchcraft, abandoning prayer, consuming interest, disobedience to parents, and false testimony.
- Imam Nawawi (RA) explained that a major sin is one for which the Shariah has prescribed a specific punishment or that which is associated with Allah’s curse, wrath, or warning in the Quran or Hadith.
- Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (RA) elaborated that major sins differ in severity, but all require repentance (Tawbah) and a sincere return to Allah.
List of 10 Major Sins in Islam
Below are some of the most severe and widely recognized major sins, supported by Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths.
1. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)
The greatest sin in Islam is Shirk, meaning associating partners with Allah in worship or lordship.
Arabic:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ
Transliteration: Inna Allaha la yaghfiru an yushraka bihi wa yaghfiru ma doona dhalika liman yashaa
Translation: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives anything else for whom He wills.” – (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Shall I not inform you of the greatest sin? Associating partners with Allah.” – (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Committing shirk is the ultimate violation of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah). It destroys faith and nullifies all good deeds, as it places creation on the same level as the Creator. A Muslim must guard their belief, worship, and intentions sincerely for Allah alone, for shirk is the only sin that will not be forgiven if one dies without repentance.
2. Murder and Taking a Life Unjustly
Killing a person without right is among the gravest crimes in Islam.
Arabic:
وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا
Transliteration: Wa man yaqtul muminan mutaammidan fajazauhu jahannamu khalidan fiha
Translation: “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein forever.” – (Surah An-Nisa 4:93)
3. Practicing Magic (Sihr)
Magic or witchcraft is a form of disbelief and one of the major sins that destroy faith.
Arabic:
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَاهُ مَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ
Transliteration: Walaqad alimoo lamani ishtarahu ma lahu fil akhirati min khalaq
Translation: “They knew that whoever purchased it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter.” – (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:102)
4. Not Performing Salah (Neglecting Prayer)
Neglecting the obligatory prayers deliberately is a sign of hypocrisy and a major sin.
Hadith: “The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has committed disbelief.” – (Tirmidhi, Ahmad)
5. Not Paying Zakat
Withholding Zakat is an act of greed and rebellion against Allah’s command.
Arabic:
وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: Walladhina yaknizuna adh-dhahaba wal-fiddhata wala yunfiqunaha fi sabilillah
Translation: “Those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, give them tidings of a painful punishment.” – (Surah At-Tawbah 9:34)
6. Disobeying Parents
Disrespect or disobedience to parents is among the greatest sins after Shirk.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Shall I tell you of the greatest sins? Associating partners with Allah and being undutiful to parents.” – (Sahih Bukhari)
7. Consuming Riba (Interest or Usury)
Dealing with interest is a war against Allah and His Messenger.
Arabic:
فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ
Transliteration: Fa’dhanu biharbin min Allahi wa rasulihi
Translation: “Then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger.” – (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:279)
8. False Testimony and Lying
Lying and false witness destroy justice and are among the worst sins.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “False testimony is among the greatest of sins.” – (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
9. Adultery and Fornication (Zina)
Zina corrupts the soul, destroys families, and invites Allah’s punishment.
Arabic:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَا إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا
Transliteration: Wala taqrabu az-zina innahu kana fahishatan wasaa sabeela
Translation: “And do not go near adultery. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.” – (Surah Al-Isra 17:32)
10. Drinking Alcohol and Intoxicants
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is also forbidden.” – (Tirmidhi)
Quran Arabic:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ… رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ
Transliteration: Ya ayyuhalladhina amanu innama al-khamru wal-maysiru… rijsun min amali ash-shaytan
Translation: “O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling are abominations of Satan’s work.” – (Surah Al-Maidah 5:90)
Other Major Sins Include:
Here is a list of more major sins in Islam:
- Backbiting and slander (Gheebah)
- Breaking promises and lying
- Stealing and robbery
- Oppression and injustice
- Pride and arrogance
- Despairing of Allah’s mercy
- Suicide
- Abandoning Jihad
- Breaking family ties
How to Repent from Major Sins
No matter how great a sin is, Allah’s mercy is greater. Repentance (Tawbah) wipes out even the major sins if done sincerely. Below are some conditions of Tawbah:
- Stop the sin immediately.
- Feel deep regret for committing it.
- Make a firm intention never to return.
- If it involves others’ rights, return or compensate them.
Allah say in Quran:
Arabic:
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: Qul ya ibadiyalladhina asrafu ala anfusihim la taqnatu min rahmatillah
Translation: “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.” – (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Consequences of Major Sins
Below are some grave consequences of committing major sins:
- Loss of barakah (blessings)
- Hardness of the heart
- Allah’s curse and anger
- Torment in the grave
- Possible punishment in the Hereafter
How to Protect Yourself from Major Sins
Follow the below guidelines to protect yourself from committing major sins:
- Stay close to the Quran and Salah.
- Keep good company and avoid sinful environments.
- Remember death and accountability.
- Regularly make Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
- Learn Islamic knowledge to recognize haram acts.
Conclusion
Avoiding major sins in Islam requires more than knowledge; it demands awareness, humility, and a heart connected to Allah. A believer must constantly guard their faith by strengthening their Tawheed, performing regular Salah, seeking Islamic knowledge, and keeping good company that reminds them of Allah. Regular Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) cleanses the heart and shields it from repeating sin.
Remember, every step away from sin is a step closer to Allah’s mercy. No matter how great a person’s past mistakes are, sincere Tawbah (repentance) can erase even the darkest deeds. Allah’s mercy is infinite, and He welcomes those who return to Him with humility and hope. Protecting yourself from major sins is not only about fear of punishment, it is about love for Allah, obedience to His commands, and striving for a pure heart that earns His eternal pleasure.
FAQs on Major Sins in Islam
How many major sins are there in Islam?
There is no fixed number, but scholars like Imam Dhahabi listed over 70 in “Kitab al-Kabair.”
Can major sins be forgiven?
Yes, through sincere repentance, Allah forgives all sins except dying upon shirk.
What is the difference between minor and major sins?
Minor sins can be erased through good deeds, but major sins require repentance.
Is backbiting a major sin?
Yes, backbiting (gheebah) is considered a major sin in Hadith and Quran.
How can I avoid falling into major sins?
By strengthening your faith, avoiding temptations, and seeking Allah’s guidance daily.
