In Islam, not all sins are equal. Unlike minor faults, major sins (Al-Kaba’ir) carry severe warnings—eternal consequences if left unchecked. These are the real landmines that can destroy faith, invite curses, and jeopardize one’s Hereafter.
Below, we will explore the definition of major sins, then give a concise guide to major sins based on the Quran and Sunnah. After that, we will discuss some shocking major sins many people commit unknowingly. Then, we will see the difference between major sins and the 7 deadliest sins. Finally, we will tackle how to erase major sins and what the rewards are for avoiding them.
Definition Of Major Sins
In Islam, major sins (Al-Kaba’ir) are acts explicitly forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) that incur severe punishment unless repented from. They are acts so grave that Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) explicitly warned against in the texts [the Quran and the Sunnah] with:
1- Fixed punishment (Hadd) in this world, or
2- Divine curse or Hellfire.
So, major sins can be as many as 70 or even more. Scholars differ slightly on classifications of these sins, but all agree on their gravity. The following are only 10 of the most severe major sins in Islam:
1- Shirk (Associating Partners With Allah):
Shirk is the gravest sin in Islam, the only transgression Allah warns He will never forgive unless repented from before death. It is the ultimate betrayal of monotheism (Tawheed), the very foundation of Islam.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him ˹in worship˺, but forgives anything else of whoever He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin.”
2- Disrespecting Parents:
In Islam, disrespecting parents is condemned as a grave sin, second only to shirk (associating partners with Allah). The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly emphasize the sacred status of parents, commanding kindness, patience, and gratitude toward them, especially in their old age.
Allah says in the Quran:
“For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.”
3- Abandoning Salah:
Intentionally abandoning Salah is among the gravest sins—a spiritual betrayal that threatens one’s faith and invites divine punishment. The Quran and Sunnah issue severe warnings against neglecting prayer, equating its abandonment to disbelief (kufr).
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“What lies between a man and infidelity is the abandonment of prayer.”
This Hadith means that when a Muslim does not make it his practice to observe the prayer, he/she is no longer a Muslim.
4- Unjustified Killing And Suicide:
In Islam, both unjustified killing and suicide are condemned as major sins that violate divine commandments. These acts are considered direct transgressions against Allah’s authority over life and death.
Unjustified Killing:
The Quran equates the killing of one innocent person to the killing of all humanity. Allah says:
“…whoever takes a life—unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land—it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity…”
Suicide:
Suicide is also explicitly forbidden in Islam, as it constitutes a rejection of Allah’s decree and a failure to trust in His mercy. Allah says:
“Do not kill ˹each other or˺ yourselves. Surely Allah is ever Merciful to you. And whoever does this sinfully and unjustly, We will burn them in the Fire. That is easy for Allah.”
5- Adultery (Zina) and Homosexuality:
In Islam, Zina (adultery/fornication) and homosexual acts are explicitly prohibited and considered among the most severe moral transgressions.
Adultery:
This major sin violates divine commandments, disrupts social order, and undermines the sanctity of marriage and family structure—foundations that Islam strongly protects.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Do not go near adultery. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way.”
Homosexuality:
Islam maintains a firm stance against homosexuality, considering it destructive to morality and society.
The story of the people of Prophet Lut (Lot) (the Quran, 7:80-84) highlights the destruction of a people who engaged in homosexual acts and never repented.
6- Alcohol:
In Islam, the consumption of alcohol (khamr) is strictly prohibited and considered one of the major sins due to its physical, spiritual, and social harms. It is even called by Muslim scholars “the mother of all evils”.
Allah says in the Quran:
“O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.”
7- False Testimony:
Bearing false witness (Shahadat Al-Zur) is considered one of the most grievous sins in Islam, as it corrupts justice, spreads oppression, and undermines trust in society. The Quran and Sunnah strongly condemn lying under oath.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Shall I not inform you of the biggest of the great sins?” We said, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)” He said, “To join partners in worship with Allah: to be undutiful to one’s parents.” The Prophet (ﷺ) sat up after he had been reclining and added, “And I warn you against giving forged statement and a false witness; I warn you against giving a forged statement and a false witness.” The Prophet kept on saying that warning till we thought that he would not stop.
8- Slandering Chaste Women:
In Islam, falsely accusing chaste women of committing adultery is among the gravest moral crimes. The Quran and Sunnah harshly condemn this sin, as it destroys reputations, families, and societal trust. Those who engage in such slander face divine wrath in this life and the Hereafter, unless they sincerely repent.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Surely those who accuse chaste, unsuspecting, believing women are cursed in this life and the Hereafter. And they will suffer a tremendous punishment.”
9- Misappropriating An Orphan’s Property/Wealth:
In Islam, the protection of an orphan’s rights is of utmost importance, and wrongfully consuming or misappropriating an orphan’s wealth is considered a grave sin. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly emphasize the severe consequences of exploiting orphans, warning against injustice towards them.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, those who unjustly consume orphans’ wealth ˹in fact˺ consume nothing but fire into their bellies. And they will be burned in a blazing Hell.”
10- Magic:
In Islam, practicing, learning, or seeking magic (Sihr) is strictly forbidden and considered among the most destructive major sins. Magic is a direct alliance with the Devil to manipulate creation beyond Allah’s laws, and its practitioners face severe warnings in this life and the Hereafter.
Almighty God states in the Quran that magic is an act of disbelief (translated):
“ The devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people.”
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever ties a know and blows on it, he has practiced magic; and whoever practices magic, he has committed Shirk; and whoever hangs up something (as an amulet) will be entrusted to it.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i 4079: weak)
Shocking Major Sins Many Commit Unknowingly
What if your sins were piling up unseen, dragging you toward divine wrath—while you remained unaware? Minor sins can become major ones when normalized and done persistently. Below are three serious sins that many people take lightly:
1- Fueling enmity between people through tale-bearing (Namima):
In Islam, tale-bearing—the act of maliciously spreading secrets to sow discord or fueling enmity between people—is condemned as a destructive major sin that fractures brotherhood, fuels hatred, and corrupts society. Unlike general gossip (Ghibah), Namima specifically involves stirring conflict by relaying words between parties to provoke animosity.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The tale-bearer shall not enter Paradise.”
2- Despairing of Allah’s Mercy:
Despair is a trick of Satan, who seeks to convince believers they are beyond Allah’s mercy. This belief can destroy anyone’s life and may even lead them to suicide.
Allah says in the Quran:
“…No one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those with no faith.”
3- Pride and Arrogance:
In Islam, pride (Takabbur) and arrogance (Kibr) are among the most dangerous spiritual diseases. These traits involve rejecting the truth, looking down upon others, and denying one’s dependence on Allah—qualities that directly oppose humility (Tawadu’), a cornerstone of faith.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever has a speck of pride (arrogance) in his heart, shall not be admitted into Paradise… pride is refusing the truth and belittling the people.”
Are The Seven Mubiqat (The 7 Deadliest Sins) The Same As Major Sins?
No, the Seven Mobiqat are not the same as the major sins. As we have seen, major sins can be as many as 70. However, the Mobiqat are only seven:
- Shirk (Associating partners with Allah)
- Magic
- Murder of an innocent soul
- Devouring usury
- Consuming the property of an orphan
- Fleeing from battle (when jihad is obligatory)
- Slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet
They mean the seven destructive major sins that lead to ruin in this life and the Hereafter, and are specifically mentioned in the following Hadith:
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Avoid the seven noxious things.” When his hearers asked, “What are they, messenger of God?” he replied, “Associating anything with God, magic, killing one whom God has declared inviolate without a just cause, devouring usury, consuming the property of an orphan, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet.”
How To Erase Major Sins?
There is always hope: Allah’s door of repentance is open—if we recognize these major sins and flee from them.
Surprisingly enough, despairing of Allah’s mercy [believing that Allah would not forgive someone for a major sin(s) they have committed] is in itself a major sin.
Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi:
“…O son of ‘Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the height of the heaven, then you ask for my forgiveness, I would forgive you…”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3540)
Even if a Muslim has done these sins for years, he/she can do the following to erase them, which are the conditions of repentance (Tawbah):
1. Stop the sin
2. Regret it deeply
3. Resolve never to return to it
4. Restore rights if others were harmed
What Is The Reward For Avoiding Major Sins?
Avoiding major sins is one of the greatest acts of obedience to Allah. The Quran and Sunnah highlight the blessings and rewards for those who refrain from grave sins and strive to purify their souls.
Allah says in the Quran:
“If you avoid the major sins forbidden to you, We will absolve you of your ˹lesser˺ misdeeds and admit you into a place of honour.”
In this verse, Allah Almighty promises those who refrain from major sins to forgive their minor sins and admit them into Paradise.
Prophet Muhammad also said:
“Whoever comes worshipping Allah and not associating anything with Him, establishing Salah, paying Zakah and avoiding major sins, Paradise will be his.”
This Hadith declares that the ultimate reward for refraining from major sins is Paradise.
Conclusion:
Major sins destroy blessings, harden hearts, and risk eternal ruin. Also, avoiding major sins is not just about escaping punishment—it is about attaining Allah’s love, blessings, and eternal success. Always remember that repentance erases every crime.
Your soul is worth saving—don’t trade it for temporary desires. The choice is yours: chains of sin or the keys to Allah’s mercy?
