“Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful.” (Qur’an 7:17)
This article will focus on the major sins (in no particular order) as well as remedies and solutions for their forgiveness.
“IF (but) eschew the evilest of the things (MAJOR SINS) which you are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of YOU ( Saiyiatikum) ALL THE EVIL IN YOU, and admit you to a gate of great honor.” -(Qur’an 4:31)
How do we determine what is a major sin?
- We know that Allah (swt) blesses us for the good that we do and Allah (swt) blesses us simply because Allah (swt) is Most Generous and the Bestower of Bounties.
- We know that Allah (swt) only punishes us for our sins. We do not get punished for sins we did not do.
- The curse of Allah (swt) is when a person’s heart has been sealed. (May Allah protect us all from it). Once the curse of Allah (swt) is upon someone they are not lifted from that curse. Every place that mentions this is a major sin.
The example of Iblis:
“Then get out of Paradise, for indeed, you are expelled. And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense.” (Qur’an 38:77-78)
Context is key.
Often in one place of the Qur’an Allah (swt) will mention that for a particular sin if these people die in that state without repentance they will abide in hell forever. We then see this particular sin juxtaposed with other sins indicating the severity of them as well.
Conditions are met:
- That there is sincere repentance as Allah (swt) has clearly mentioned in the Qur’an that it is no use to go to one’s deathbed without having sincerely repented.
- Conditions are met. There are many sins in Islam that are not forgiven simply upon repentance but are conditional. The repentance is coupled with some form of expiation.
There are many different words used for sin in the Qur’an and often they are interchangeable.
Dhanb– sins in which one has committed a wrong that needs repentance.
Examples:
“So be patient, [O Muhammed]. Indeed, the promise of Allah is true. And ask forgiveness for your sin (dhanb) and exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning.” (Qur’an 40:55)
“That Allah may forgive for you [O Muhammed] what preceded of your sin (dhanb) and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path.” (Qur’an 48:2)
“So know, [O Muhammed], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin (dhanb)and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.” (Qur’an 47:19)
As the position of Muslims is that Prophets are known to be sinless it is possible that the above verses are speaking about sins the Blessed Messenger (saw) did before he entered into Islam. However, verse 48:2 above does indicate that the Blessed Prophet (saw) will do sins in the future and that Allah (swt) will forgive him.
To err is to human to forgive is divine.
Some people may dispute that as Prophet Moses (a.s) is guilty of the crime of murder in the following verse:
“And they have a charge of crime (dhanb) against me, and I fear they may slay me.” (Qur’an 26:14)
“The Jews and the Christians say: “We are sons of Allah and His beloved.” Say: “Why then does He punish you for your (dhanb) sins? No you are but men,- of the men He has created: He forgives whom He pleases and He punishes whom He pleases: and to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between: and unto Him is the final goal (of all).” (Qur’an 5:18)
The above verse makes it clear that dhanb is something that one can be punished for. It is the same case when we look at the use of the word all throughout the Qur’an.
Khati’ah– errors, maybe forgetfulness, character flaws, hastiness, wreckless, however, it is also used in the sense of sins that are punishable by eternal hellfire.
Examples:
“And who I aspire that He will forgive me[Prophet Ibrahim] my faults (khatiati) on the Day of Recompense.” (Qur’an 26:82)
“Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or (akhtanā) erred.” (Qur’an 2:286)
Both of the above examples indicate something careless, some minor faults.
“Yes, whoever earns evil and his sin (khatiatuhu)has encompassed him – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” (Qur’an 2:81)
This verse is also speaking about those who are reckless with their faith. Their sins have has encompassed them and for them, they will abide in hell forever.
Ithm-sins, heinous sins, crimes, shameful deeds.
“Those who avoid the greater crimes (kabaira l-ithmi) and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive.” (Qur’an 42:37)
“Those who avoid great sins (kabaira l’ithmi) and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults,- verily thy Lord is ample is (l-maghfirati) overwhelming in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, And when ye are hidden in your mothers’ wombs. Therefore justify not yourselves: He knows best who it is that guard against evil. (Qur’an 53:32)
Jurm also Mujrim– criminal, sinner, repeat offender.
“Shall We treat the Muslims like (mujrimina) sinners?” (Qur’an 68:35)
“And, O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord, then repent to Him, and He will let loose heaven in torrents upon you, and He will increase you in strength unto your strength; and turn not your backs as (mujrimina) sinners.” (Qur’an 11:52)
“The day they see the angels – no good tidings will there be that day for the sinners (mujrimina), and [the angels] will say to them of the paradise, “Prevented and inaccessible.” (Qur’an 25:22)
“And the sinners (mujrimuna) will see the Fire and will be certain that they are to fall therein. And they will never find a way out.” (Qur’an 18:53)
“Indeed, the sinners (mujrinima) will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.” (Qur’an 43:74)
Junah -small errors, miscalculations, absentmindedness.
I have not seen a context in which the word junah was something in which people were punished for, rather they were things that were overlooked. This word, as opposed to ‘dhanb’, would have been more appropriate for those who wished to advocate that Prophets never sinned (either prior prophethood or after).
Examples:
“And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame (janahum) upon you for shortening the prayer, [especially] if you fear that those who disbelieve may disrupt [or attack] you. Indeed, the disbelievers are ever to you a clear enemy.” (Qur’an 4:104)
“And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no (junaha)sin upon them if they make terms of a settlement between them – and settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess. But if you do good and fear Allah – then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” (Qur’an 4:128)
“There is not upon those who believe and do righteousness any (junahun) blame concerning what they have eaten [in the past] if they [now] fear Allah and believe and do righteous deeds, and then fear Allah and believe, and then fear Allah and do good; and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Qur’an 5:93)
Major sins -their expiation and forgiveness.
#1) Despairing of the Mercy of Allah (swt).
I believe that any topic on major sins and their repentance has to address the issue of the Mercy of Allah (swt). If it is very often that due to this rejection of Allah’s mercy that people will continue to abide in their sins keeping their hearts veiled from light.
People may think that Allah (swt) will not forgive them. This is a trick of Iblis. The name Iblis comes from an Arabic etymological root which means to cause despair to drain one from hope.
“Say, “If you should love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 3:31)
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. And return to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.” (Qur’an 39:53)
This verse states clearly as Allah (swt) is addressing his servants (the Muslims) that if they transgress they should:
- Do not despair of the Mercy of Allah
- Know that Allah forgives all sins.
- Know that they should turn towards Allah before the punishment (hellfire) comes upon them. -They repent before death.
- Know that if they do not repent and hope in Allah’s forgiveness than they will have the opposite of that, an eternal punishment in which they will not be helped (not let out during Ramadan, not released from any prophet making intercession for them).
“O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair, not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the ungrateful people.” (Qur’an 12:87)
To despair of Allah’s mercy puts one in a state of kufr ni’ama- state of rejecting Allah’s mercy and being ungrateful towards Allah (swt).
What is the remedy for this sin? What is the solution?
“And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell rendered contemptible.” (Qur’an 40:60)
To know that if you call upon Allah (swt) there is no weak signal, there is no static interference, if you call upon Allah (swt) is The Loving, The Oft-Forgiving, The Eraser of sins, The One who will turn your sins into good deeds, and is Full of Mercy and Compassion and he will answer you.
To also know that if we reject turning to our Lord than as the verse says above we will enter the hellfire contemptible. May Allah (swt) protect us from it and accept our repentance.
A question may arise. How do I know that Allah (swt) forgave me?
The answer:
Because he said he would. For some people, this is enough and deliberately liberating but for others, they may need to forgive themselves. The very fact that they have a guilty conscious is a healthy and positive sign. We are not hell-spawn, we are beings created by Allah (swt) with a consciousness. So if you need further healing and liberation from sin this often entails returning something you took or righting that wrong, settling that debt, offering an apology, telling the truth or making amends.
There is not a human being I have met who when taking these two things together with the knowledge that Allah (swt) will forgive them and rectifying their wrongs that I did not see a tremendous amount of nur (light) upon their faces -regardless of sect.
Remember Allah (swt) never put limits on how often he will forgive you he only put conditions.
#2) Apostasy-leaving or abandoning the faith.
As for a Muslim who rejects in total the message of Islam there is no worldly punishment that awaits them. We have discussed that in length here:
https://primaquran.wordpress.com/2016/12/25/refuting-death-for-apostasy/
Many people may have doubts about religion from time to time. Allah (swt) told us to not be among the doubters-which means that we are asked to seek certainty about that which we believe.
“So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so do not be among those who doubt.” (Qur’an 10:94)
So seeking knowledge and gaining clarity about religion is a meritorious act. Allah (swt) knows best our capacities to absorb information to explain to others and every individual person’s reach.
The following verses are addressed to people who were Muslims who after believing in Islam leave Islam. This can be those who openly declare themselves non-Muslims or those among us who don’t believe in this religion and still claim they are Muslim (for whatever reasons).
“And whoever of you reverts from his religion and dies while he is ungrateful-for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and in the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally (khaliduna).” (Qur’an 2:217)
“As for those who have faith and then return to unbelief, and then again have faith and then return to unbelief, and then increase in unbelief, Allah will not forgive them nor guide them on any path.” (Qur’an 4:137)
“Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – upon them will be the curse of Allah and of the angels and the people, all together.” (Qur’an 2:161)
“They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but they definitely spoke the word of unbelief and returned to unbelief after their Islam. They planned something which they did not achieve and they were vindictive for no other reason than that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them from His bounty. If they were to make repentance, it would be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful punishment in this world and the Next World, and they will not find any protector or helper on the earth.” (Qur’an 9:73-74)
None of those verses are addressing people who had a crisis of consciousness and stopped practicing Islam because they were not convinced of it. In reality, there are many people who are ‘Muslim‘ in name only. Allah (swt) knows best their condition.
The verses above are addressing people who openly rejected the truth. They know that Islam is the truth and they openly reject it. As Allah (swt) mentioned about those who reject the faith that in the hereafter they will abide in hell forever (khaliduna).
What is the remedy for this sin? What is the solution?
The solution? As Allah (swt) says above, “If they were to make repentance, it would be better for them.“
It would be recommended to make the following supplication:
“Our Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after you have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your Presence. You, only You, are the Ever Giving.” (Qur’an 3:8)
You should know that Allah (swt) will accept your repentance or he would not have given it as a remedy.
“Allah loves those who repent.” (Qu’ran 2:222)
If you know this is the religion of truth and you openly reject it you are in a very dangerous situation. You have a very diseased heart spiritually. The solution is to repent, return to Allah (swt) and practice Islam.
Anything that was an obligation for you as a Muslim is still an obligation for you even when you were someone who turned back. Just because you momentarily rejected the laws of Allah (swt) and/or your society doesn’t mean they don’t apply to you.
May Allah (swt) cause us all to die as Muslims. Amin!
#3) Witch-Craft the Dark Arts
“And 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 be ungrateful.” And 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 any share in the life to come. And evil is that for which they sold themselves if they only knew.” (Qur’an 2:102)
“Believers, intoxicants, gambling, idolatry, and fortunetelling are repugnant and evil acts. They are evil acts of Satan. Shun them so that you may prosper. With intoxicants and gambling, Satan only seeks to incite hostility and hatred among you and to turn you away from remembering Allah and from prayer. Will, you not then give them up?” (Qur’an 5:90-91)
Allah (swt) has told us that those who partake in magic and witchcraft they will have no share in the life to come. They will not be in paradise.
“And Moses said, “O my people, if you have believed in Allah, then rely upon Him, if you should be Muslims.” (Qur’an 10: 84)
We are not to rely upon things that Allah (swt) told us not to rely upon like fortunetelling, those who partake in sihr-witchcraft.
As regards the magicians in the time of Moses what happened to them?
What is the remedy for this sin? What is the solution?
They said, “We have believed in the Lord of the worlds..” (Qu’ran 7:121)
“So the magicians fell down in prostration. They said, “We have believed in the Lord of Aaron and Moses. Pharaoh said, “You believed him before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will impale you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring.” They said, “Never will we prefer you over what has come to us of clear proofs and [over] He who created us. So decree whatever you are to decree. You can only decree for this worldly life. Indeed, we have believed in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And Allah is better and more enduring.” Indeed, whoever comes to his Lord as a criminal – indeed, for him is Hell; he will neither die therein nor live. But whoever comes to Him as a believer having done righteous deeds – for those will be the highest degrees [in position].” (Qur’an 20:70-75)
Note:
The magicians repented and they became Muslims. As they became Muslims all that went before them had passed away. To guarantee their place in paradise they were also granted martyrdom. Their hands and feet were cut off on opposite sides and they were impailed.
This is the case for non-Muslims who embraced Islam. For Muslims who partake in this serious matter or any like it Allah (swt) to give them up.
Based on the fact that the non-Muslim magicians who embraced Islam and had their sins effaced were still martyred it is possible that a Muslim who partakes in such thing and repents will undergo some type of physical torture in this life as an expiation for their sins. Allah (swt) knows best.
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Qur’an 39:53)
Just be prepared to go through some excruciating pain in life as purification and expiation. Abide this with patience and put your trust wholly in Allah (swt).
There are many Muslim charlatans who claim to be healing people of affliction by witchcraft and often these very people themselves are afflicted. Anyone no matter how pious you perceive them who tell you they keep Jinn or they know Shaykh’s who keep Jinn steer clear from them.
#4) False Theology: Saying about Allah (swt) what we do not know.
Say: “The things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are al-Fawaahish (every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse), whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allah for which He has given no authority and saying things about Allah of which you do not know.” (Qur’an 7:33)
Notice in the above verse there are four things that are mentioned, each is greater in calamity than that which went before it.
- Al-Fawaahish -unlawful sexual activities rather did secretly or openly.
- Oppression
- Shirk-associating partners with Allah (swt).
- Saying about Allah (swt) what you do not know.
Attributing a lie to Allah (swt) is:
- Saying something about Allah (swt) that is patently false.
- Changing or altering the religion of Allah (swt).
- Denying what is patently true and/or confirming what is patently false.
“And lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that you may think that what they say is from the Scripture when it is not from the Scripture. And they say: It is from Allah when it is not from Allah, and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.” (Qur’an 3:78)
“And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, “It has been inspired to me,” while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, “I will reveal like what Allah revealed.” And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, saying “Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and that you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.” (Qur’an 6:93)
So who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allah or denies His signs? Indeed, sinners will not succeed.” (Qur’an 10:17)
“So who is more unjust than one who lies about Allah and denies the truth when it has come to him? Is there not in Hell a residence for the ungrateful? (Qur’an 39:32)
“And who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allah? Those will be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord.” Unquestionably, the curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers.” (Qur’an 11:18)
“And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or denies the truth when it has come to him? Is there not in Hell a [sufficient] residence for the ungrateful?” (Qur’an 29:68)
What is the remedy for this sin? What is the solution?
“and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.” (Qur’an 3:78)
Having a sound theology is important for every Muslim. We have to remember that in a short span of time Christ Jesus went from being the Messenger of Allah (swt) to the alleged ‘son of God‘ to becoming ‘God the son‘. (May Allah protect us all from the whispers of Satan).
So Muslims should avoid speculation about Allah (swt) and stick with what is sound from the Qur’an and sound logic.
It should also be born in mind that the above verses should be taken into context with the verse in 3:78 above that the people who are cursed are people who say lies about Allah (swt) knowingly. Many say things out of ignorance.
This is important because Muslims have different schools of theology and some of them say very different things about Allah (swt) his essence, his attributes, rather or not he does this or that thing.
For the sake of unity among Muslims it is important to keep in mind this key point of the Amman accord:
https://ammanmessage.com/the-three-points-of-the-amman-message-v-1/
“Equally, it is neither possible nor permissible to declare as apostates any group of Muslims who believes in Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, and His Messenger (saw) and the pillars of faith, and acknowledges the five pillars of Islam, and does not deny any necessarily self-evident tenet of religion. “
This last part ‘and does not deny any necessarily self-evident tenet of religion‘ is a matter of intra-Muslim debate.
Concerning Allah (swt) Muslims should avoid the:
The should have, could have, would have and maybe scenarios concerning Allah (swt) because it simply dhan(it’s speculative).
Lastly, if you have come to the realization that you have been saying something about Allah (swt) that is not true you should repent to Allah (swt) and be thankful that you no longer hold that view because it means that Allah (swt) loves you and that is why he wants you to be guided! Al hamdulillah!
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Qur’an 39:53)
#5) Suicide: Taking on the attribute of the one who gives death by killing yourself.
“Believers! Do not devour one another’s possessions wrongfully; rather than that, let there be trading by mutual consent. You should not kill yourselves. Surely Allah is ever Compassionate to you. And whoever does this by way of transgression and injustice him shall We surely cast into the Fire; that indeed is quite easy for Allah. (Qur’an 4:29-30)
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden to be killed except by legal right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason (Qur’an 6:151)
You also have these two ahadith which are attributed to the Blessed Messenger (saw) in Al Bukhari.
Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the Fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever.” Source: (Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 71 Hadith 670)
Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell-Fire and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell-Fire.” Source: (Al-Bukhari – Book 23 Hadith 446)
There are a few important things to note when we talk about suicide.
It should also be noted that in the Ibadi school we need the specifics and details as much as possible of the condition under which a person committed suicide. If this person was mentally unstable they are not held accountable. Alas, the hukm (judgment) belongs to Allah (swt). We can only make a judgement upon the dhahir (the apparent). Allah (swt) judges based upon the apparent and that which is hidden. A complete judgement.
The Blessed Messenger (saw) did not perform funeral prayers over Muslims who committed suicide.
You can read the article about that here:
Suicide is a dangerous sin because you die while claiming an attribute of Allah (swt) for yourself. You are claiming that you are the one who has the right to take your life. Allah (swt) is known Al -Mumit, The giver of death, and you are claiming this right for yourself.
Suicide is something you cannot repent from. You cannot repent from it because you are dead.
What is the remedy for this sin? What is the solution?
The solution is to not take your life. What is done is done. If you are going through immense hardship and difficulty you should rely upon what Allah (swt) has told you.
“Allah does not burden a soul except what it can bear”. (Qur’an 2:286)
“For indeed, with hardship will be ease. Indeed, with hardship will be ease.”(Qur’an 94:5-6)
“And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell rendered contemptible.” (Qur’an 40:60)
“And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient ones who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: “Surely we are Allah’s and to Him, we shall surely return” Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course. (Qur’an 2:155-157)
Do you know the number of people who when they are in despair do not turn to Allah (swt)? They do not proclaim: “Surely we are Allah’s and to Him, we shall return.” reminding them of the fleeting nature of this world?
When a person commits suicide they give victory to Iblis. The name Iblis comes from an Arabic root which means to cause despair. Suicide is the ultimate despair.
“If a wound has touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loves not those that do wrong.” (Qur’an 3:140)
Those this particular verse above is in relation to the battle of Uhud I like to be reminded that whatever befalls us in life we are not the only ones. It is not like we have been singled out by the divine as some cosmic comedy.
Did you lose a loved one? Perhaps a parent, child, or spouse? Are you drowning in debt? Have you lost all your finances? Are you homeless? Are you extremely lonely? Do you feel you have no purpose in life? Have you been physically mentally or emotionally abused by those you trusted and loved the most?
Understand that of all those things you may have gone through or are going through you are not alone in this!
In fact, you may be going through this trial so that you can avert someone else from taking their life. How many people have gone through these adversities only to come through shining in the end?
In the present, the only reality for you is the pain but in the future there is hope. If you save the life of another through your words of comfort it will be as if you saved the lives of all mankind.
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” (Qur’an 39:10)
“Does mankind think that they will be left alone on saying, we believe and not be tried? And certainly, we tried those before them, so Allah will certainly know those who are true and He will certainly know the liars. Or do they who work evil think that they will escape us? Evil is it that they Judge! (Qur’an 29:2-3)
Know that you are deeply loved and cared about. That there is a Merciful, Compassionate, Loving creator and that what you are going through is a purification for you if you can endure it and Allah (swt) has promised that you can.
Prima Quran 