The Major Sins In Islam To Avoid: 5 Destructive Major Sins

In the previous discussion on the major sins in Islam to abstain from, we explored five of the gravest offenses that one must avoid to lead a righteous life. We discussed the implications of shirk (associating partners with Allah), the unjust taking of a life (murder), Zina (adultery and fornication), Riba (usury), and disrespecting parents. You can read the full article now on “5 Major Sins In Islam To Abstain From.”

However, there are still a lot of major sins in Islam that we need to talk about and we are going to discuss a few of them to further our understanding of actions that are severely condemned in Islamic teachings. Other major sins that we are going to explore include the following:

• Theft (Stealing)
• Slander and False Testimony
• Performing Magic (Sihr)
• Usurping the Property of an Orphan
• Accusing Chaste Innocent Believing Women

Theft (Stealing)

Theft, or stealing, is one of the major sins in Islam and is condemned for its bad effects on individuals and society. Islam places a strong priority on honesty, integrity, and respect for others’ property, making the prohibition of theft conclusive to maintaining social harmony and trust.

Theft, in Islamic terms, refers to unlawfully taking someone else’s property to deprive them of it permanently. This can take many forms:

• Physical Theft: Stealing money, jewelry, or any valuable item from another person or place.
• Fraud: Deceiving someone to unlawfully acquire their property or money.
• Embezzlement: Misappropriating funds or property entrusted to one’s care, such as an employee stealing from their employer.

The Importance of Honesty and Integrity in Islam

Honesty and integrity are basic values in Islam, essential for building trust and ensuring justice within the community. Islam encourages every Muslim to be truthful and trustworthy in all their dealings, promoting a society based on mutual respect and fairness.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Islam addresses the sin of theft and prescribes severe consequences for those who engage in it. In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:38), Allah says:

“[As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut off.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith clearly highlights the fairness of Islamic justice, indicating that no one is above the law, regardless of their social or familial status.

Penalties for Theft According to Islamic Law

Islamic law prescribes specific penalties for theft, aiming to serve both as punishment and deterrent. The severity of the punishment is based on the gravity of the offense i.e. the stolen item. The primary penalty for theft is the amputation of the hand, as mentioned in the Quran. However, this punishment is subject to strict conditions and requires evidence, ensuring it is applied justly and only in cases where the theft is proven beyond doubt.

Some of the conditions include:

• The value of the stolen property: The stolen item must exceed a certain value. The minimum value is one-quarter of a Dinar. This will be converted to the country’s monetary value to know its worth.
• Security of the property: The stolen item must have been taken from a secure place.
• Proof: The act of theft must be proven by catching the thief or the confession of the thief.
• Absence of mitigating circumstances: If there are excusing circumstances, such as extreme hunger, the punishment may be less severe.

Theft is one of the major sins in Islam, strictly prohibited due to its destructive effects on individuals and society. Moreover, engaging in theft distances one from Allah, as it involves dishonesty and sinful behavior. Islamic teachings emphasize honesty, integrity, and respect for others’ property, condemning theft in the strongest terms.

By sticking to these teachings and cultivating a culture of trust and justice, Muslims can contribute to a harmonious and righteous society.

Slander and False Testimony

Among the major sins in Islam, slandering and false testimony are bad behaviors that cause damage to both individuals and society. Islam condemns any form of deceit or defamation that can harm others.

• Slander: Slander involves making false or malicious statements about someone to damage their reputation. Unlike backbiting (ghibah), which may involve speaking the truth behind someone’s back, slander specifically refers to falsehoods or false accusations.
• False Testimony (Shahadat al-Zur): False testimony involves giving untrue statements or lying under oath, especially when testifying to an issue. This can lead to unjust outcomes and sabotage the integrity of the judicial system.

Examples of these sins include spreading rumors, falsely accusing someone of a crime, lying in court, or providing false information that harms another person’s reputation or life.

The Effects of Slander on Individuals and Communities

Slander and false testimony can have destructive effects. For an individual who is a victim of slander, it can lead to emotional distress or social hatred to him/her. It destroys trust and can permanently damage one’s reputation and relationships.

In communities, these sins breed mistrust and conflict. When false information spreads, it can lead to unnecessary clashes, disrupt social peace, and weaken the moral state of society.

The Quran condemns slander and false testimony. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah warns against these sins:

“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.”

This verse highlights the gravity of speaking ill of others and equates it to the awful act of eating one’s dead brother’s flesh, explaining the severe moral wrong of such behavior.

Additionally, in Surah An-Nur (24:23), Allah says:

“Indeed, those who falsely accuse chaste, unaware, and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also spoke strongly against false testimony. He said:

“Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins? They are: associating others with Allah, disobedience to parents, and false testimony.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

Penalties and Repercussions for Such Actions

The penalties vary depending on the severity and impact of the falsehoods.

• Legal Penalties: In Islamic jurisprudence, false testimony can lead to punishment like lashes particularly if it leads to significant harm or injustice. This can be seen in the case of accusing chaste women of adultery. Allah says:

And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses – lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient  (Al-Quran 24:4)

• Spiritual Consequences: Engaging in these sins distances a person from Allah’s mercy. It requires sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness, as well as making amends to those harmed. The spiritual burden of such sins is heavy, and it is incumbent upon the sinner to seek rectification.

By understanding the severe consequences of slander and false testimony, Muslims can strive to uphold the values of honesty and justice. Avoiding these major sins in Islam do not only protects the individuals from social and spiritual harm but also ensures a peaceful society.

Performing Magic (Sihr, one of the great major sins)

Among the major sins in Islam is performing magic, or Sihr, which is strictly condemned. Islam’s teachings emphasize the importance of sincerity and reliance on Allah alone. Performing magic itself is Shrik (polytheism) because it involves believing something can happen with the help of magic and not by Allah’s permission.

In the Islamic context, Sihr (magic) refers to any supernatural act or practice intended to influence or manipulate events, people, or natural phenomena through means other than those prescribed by Allah. Sihr can come in different types or forms. It involves invoking jinn or evil spirits to cause harm, misfortune, or illness to others. It is the most grievous form of Sihr due to its cruel intent and reliance on demonic forces.

It can also include practices aimed at bringing good fortune, love, or protection. Magic can only come to reality by the permission of Allah and not by itself. However, Islam condemns all forms of magic, regardless of intent, as they both rely on forbidden means and go against relying on Allah.

Magic is considered a major sin in Islam for several key reasons:

1. Contradiction of Tawhid: Engaging in magic often involves invoking beings other than Allah, which directly contradicts the fundamental Islamic principle of tawhid (the oneness of Allah). This leads to shirk (associating partners with Allah), which is the gravest sin in Islam.
2. Deception and Harm: Magic naturally involves deception and can cause significant harm to individuals and society.
3. It undermines Faith: Reliance on magic reflects a lack of trust in Allah’s power and wisdom. It diverts believers from seeking lawful means and solutions, thereby weakening their faith and devotion.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102), Allah warns against the dangers and consequences of magic:

“They followed 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.”  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102)

This verse states clearly that practicing magic is disbelieving (loss of faith) and whoever practices it will not have any share in the hereafter i.e. will not enter paradise.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also condemned magic, placing it among the most destructive sins. In a Hadith, he said:

“Avoid the seven destructive sins.” The people inquired, “O Allah’s Messenger! What are they?” He said, “To join others in worship along with Allah, to practice sorcery (magic), to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, to consume riba, to consume an orphan’s property, to turn back when the army advances, and to slander chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith lists magic (sorcery) among the gravest sins, emphasizing its destructive nature.

Penalties for Engaging in Magic

Engaging in magic carries severe penalties in Islam. Spiritually, those people practicing magic will face grave consequences, including distancing themselves from Allah’s mercy and risking their place in the Hereafter. The reliance on supernatural practices destroys one’s faith and can lead someone to Hell without repenting from it.

Legally, Islamic law prescribes strict penalties for those who engage in magic, reflecting its serious nature. These penalties can include:

• Capital Punishment: In some Islamic jurisdictions, practicing black magic, particularly when it causes harm to others, can be punishable by death. This reflects the grave threat it poses to social order and individual well-being.
• Imprisonment or Corporal Punishment: Lesser forms of magic may result in imprisonment, corporal punishment by lashing them, or other severe penalties to discourage and prohibit such practices and maintain social harmony.

Magic, or Sihr, is one of the major sins in Islam, prohibited due to its deceptive, harmful, and faith-destroying nature. Both the Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on the prohibition of magic and the severe consequences for those who engage in it. Avoiding major sins in Islam, such as magic, is crucial for a righteous and harmonious life in accordance with Islamic guidance.

Consuming the Property of an Orphan

Consuming or eating the property of an orphan is also among the major sins in Islam. Islam establishes a high value on the protection and care of orphans, stating the community’s responsibility towards them.

Explanation of the Status and Rights of Orphans in Islam

In Islam, an orphan is a child who has lost their father before reaching puberty.  Guardians are entrusted with the responsibility to manage and protect the property and assets of orphans until they reach maturity. They are to be raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.

“And they ask you about orphans. Say, ‘Improvement for them is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs – they are your brothers. And Allah knows the corrupter from the amender. And if Allah had willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.'”  Surah Al-Baqarah (2:220)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the protection of orphans’ rights. He said:

“I and the one who looks after an orphan and provide for him will be in Paradise like these two.” And he gestured with his index and middle fingers, holding them close together. (Sahih Bukhari)

Consuming the property of an orphan can take various forms, including:

1. Misappropriation of Funds: Guardians or caretakers using an orphan’s funds for their own benefit rather than for the child’s needs.
2. Fraudulent Transactions: Selling or transferring the orphan’s property without just cause or at an unfair value to deprive them of their rightful assets.
3. Neglect and Mismanagement: Failing to properly manage the orphan’s property, leading to loss or depreciation.

The Quran explicitly warns against the wrongful takeover of an orphan’s property. In Surah An-Nisa (4:10), Allah says:

“Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.”

Severe Penalties for Those Who Usurp Orphan Property

Islamic law specifies severe penalties for those who wrongfully appropriate an orphan’s property, reflecting the gravity of this major sin in Islam. The consequences are both spiritual and legal:

1. The Spiritual Penalties: As highlighted in Surah An-Nisa, those who eat the orphan’s property will face severe punishment in the Hereafter. This includes being cast into a Blaze, indicating the grievous repercussions of such an act.
2. Legal Penalties: In Islamic jurisprudence, guardians who misuse or misappropriate orphan property can face legal action, including repayment of the property and additional penalties.
3. Social Repercussions: Individuals who engage in such actions may face a loss of trust within their community.

Accusing Chaste Innocent Believing Women

Among the major sins in Islam that is not popular is accusing chaste innocent believing women of immorality without evidence is considered a grievous offense. Such false accusations do not only harm the individuals involved but also disrupt the harmony of the community by spreading mistrust and conflict.

In Islam, false accusations, particularly those related to a person’s chastity, are termed “Qadhf.” This involves wrongfully accusing someone of adultery or fornication without the required proof. For a valid accusation of Zina (adultery or fornication), Islamic law requires the testimony of four reliable witnesses who personally observed the act or the confession of the victims. Without this, the accusation cannot be accepted.

The impact of such accusations is worse. They tarnish the reputation of the accused, cause massive psychological or mental distress, and can lead to severe social repercussions like ridicule or mocking.

The Seriousness of Slandering Chaste Women

Islam places great importance on protecting the dignity and reputation of the people, and false accusations are seen as a direct violation of these principles. Slandering chaste women is particularly serious in Islam because it attacks not only an individual’s honor but also the honor of their family and community.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the gravity of this sin, categorizing it among the most destructive acts. In Surah An-Nur (24:4), Allah states:

“And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses—lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept their testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient.”  Surah An-Nur (24:4)

“Indeed, those who falsely accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment.”  Surah An-Nur (24:23)

These verses not only condemn false accusations but also prescribe severe punishment for those who engage in such behavior, highlighting the dual nature of the penalty – both in this world and in the Hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Avoid the seven great destructive sins.” The people inquired, “O Allah’s Messenger! What are they?” He said, “To join others in worship along with Allah, to practice sorcery, to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, to consume riba, to consume an orphan’s property, to flee from the battlefield, and to slander chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

Penalties for Falsely Accusing Innocent Women in Islam

1. Eighty Lashes: As prescribed in Surah An-Nur, those who falsely accuse chaste women without the required evidence are to be lashed eighty times. This is a physical punishment that reflects the gravity of the offense and serves as a warning to others.
2. Rejection of Testimony from the slanderers: Those who make false accusations are considered unreliable witnesses in future legal matters. Their testimony will be no longer accepted, reflecting a loss of credibility and trust within the community.
3. Spiritual Consequences: Those who engage in slander face severe consequences, including the curse of Allah and the punishment in the Hereafter except if they repent. Repentance and seeking forgiveness are crucial for those who commit this sin, and the need for sincere remorse and rectification.

All the sins we’ve discussed are among the major sins in Islam but not the only ones. There are still other major sins that a Muslim should strive to avoid. The teachings of Islam guide us to abstain from all sorts of sins to the best of our ability either major or minor sins in order to live a life of righteousness and integrity.

Encouragement to Seek Forgiveness and Repentance

Islam emphasizes that no sin is beyond forgiveness if one sincerely repents. Seeking Allah’s forgiveness (tawbah) and making amends are required in rectifying one’s actions. Allah says:

“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.'”  Surah Az-Zumar (39:53)

Living a life free from major sins requires continuous self-improvement, carefulness, and adherence to Islamic teachings. Regular self-reflection, seeking knowledge, and engaging in good deeds help strengthen one’s faith and moral character. By doing so, one can protect him/herself from falling into major sins and contribute positively to the community.

Avoiding major sins in Islam is essential not only for individual salvation but also for maintaining a just, peaceful, and harmonious society. The teachings of Islam provide a comprehensive guide to living a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to all. By understanding and avoiding these major sins, we can all strive towards a life of righteousness, breeding a community grounded in trust, justice, and mutual respect.

We ask Allah to forgive us our sins both major and minor sins. Assalaamu Alaikum.