Major Sins in Islam

In Islam, a sin is defined as “any act a person chooses to take that is against the commands of Allah”. When a person commits sin even once, it is like a black dot is placed on his heart. Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran: “No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning” (Quran, 83:14). The religion Islam classifies sins according to the severity of their consequences on individuals and society. According to Islam, the major sins are those which are forbidden by Allah Almighty and His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Major sins might be one of the reasons due to which Allah Almighty does not accept our dua.  It is very important for a believer to avoid major sins because they are the reason for severe punishments and Allah has guaranteed Paradise to those who avoid them. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran: “If you avoid the major sins which you have been forbidden, We will cancel out for you your (other) evil deeds and admit you (to Paradise) with a noble entry.”(Quran, 4:31)

Major Sins in Islam

Below mentioned are some major sins that we all should know about and avoid them:

• Shirk is considered the major sin that is associating anything with Allah Almighty
• Misbehave with parents, disobeying them or hurting their feelings
• Involvement in Riba or Interest
• Murder
• Not paying zakat
• Not performing the prayer
• Involvement in Adultery
• Sodomy (Homosexuality)
• Practicing black magic
• Drinking wine or alcohol
• Dealing unjustly with the property of an orphan
• Pride and arrogance
• Gambling
• Running away from the battlefield
• Committing suicide
• Swear falsely by name of Allah
• Breach of promise
• Robbery or theft
• To eat pork, lard or any part of a pig
• Eating from or using unlawful earnings
• Not fasting in the month of Ramadan without any valid reason
• Backbiting and slandering
• Gambling
• Envy (Hasad)
• Cursing
• Offending and abusing other Muslims
• Slandering chaste women
• Repeating of small sins
• To create enmity and mischief between the believers by conveying one's words to the other
• Selling things with short weight or measure
• To think that Allah (SWT) would not punish him/her for his sins
• To lose hope in the mercy of Allah Almighty

May Almighty Allah guide us to fulfill His commands and keep us away from committing all kinds of sins whether major or minor! Ameen