Sins
Introduction
This blog explores the Islamic classification of sins into minor sins (saghair) and major sins (kaba’ir), detailing their definitions, examples, means of repentance, and the extent of Allah’s forgiveness for each.
1. Definition of Minor and Major Sins**
Major Sins are severe offenses explicitly mentioned in Islamic texts as warranting divine punishment or hellfire, such as idolatry, murder, and theft.
Minor Sins consist of lesser sins that do not attract such severe divine warnings but are still wrong in the eyes of Allah. These are not specified in number but are generally less grave than major sins.
2. Examples of Minor and Major Sins
Examples of Minor Sins include facing the Qibla while relieving oneself, despised leadership in prayer, and listening to backbiting, having a dog as a pet without a need, boycotting another muslim, lots of arguing. .
Major Sins include the “seven destructive sins” as detailed by a hadith from Abu Hurairah, reported by the Prophet Muhammad:
اجتَنبوا السَّبعَ الموبِقاتِ، قالوا: يا رسولَ اللهِ: وما هنَّ؟ قال: الشِّركُ باللهِ، والسِّحرُ، وقتلُ النَّفسِ الَّتي حرَّم اللهُ إلَّا بالحقِّ، وأكلُ الرِّبا، وأكلُ مالِ اليتيمِ، والتَّولِّي يومَ الزَّحفِ، وقذفُ المحصَناتِ المؤمناتِ الغافلاتِ
“Avoid the seven destructives,” and when asked which they were, he replied, “Associating anything with Allah, magic, killing one whom Allah has declared off-limits without a just cause, consuming usury, consuming an orphan’s wealth, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are unaware.”
3. Repentance from Minor and Major Sins
Repentance involves abandoning the sin, regretting the act, and resolving never to return to it. This applies universally to all sins, with specific traditions indicating that acts like Hajj can return one to a state of sinlessness, as if newly born. The Quran states,
(إِلَّا الَّذِينَ تَابُوا مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَقْدِرُوا عَلَيْهِمْ فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ)
“Except those who repent before you apprehend them; know that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful,” indicating that repentance is open for all sins.
4. Does Allah Forgive Minor and Major Sins?
Allah forgives all minor sins if one avoids major sins, as stated in the Quran:
“If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove your lesser sins…” (Quran).
Major sins require sincere repentance and possibly restitution if rights of others are involved.
5. Expiations for Minor and Major Sins
Minor Sins can be expiated by good deeds, such as performing ablutions, walking to prayers, and fasting during Ramadan, as supported by various hadiths.
Major Sins may require more stringent forms of repentance, with Allah’s mercy being pivotal. Acts like proper observance of prayers can serve as expiation, provided no major sins are committed, supported by statements from Islamic scholars like Imam an-Nawawi and the hadith where the Prophet Muhammad said,
(شفاعتي لأهلِ الكبائِرِ من أُمَّتِي)
“My intercession is for those who committed major sins from my nation.”