Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Shall I inform you of the biggest of the great sins?" They said, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "To join partners in worship with Allah, and to be undutiful to one's parents. "
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Shall I inform you of the biggest of the great sins?" They said, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "To join partners in worship with Allah, and to be undutiful to one's parents."
Source Reference
Sahih al-Bukhari 6273 - Book: Asking Permission
Scholarly Commentary
This profound hadith establishes the hierarchy of sins in Islam, with shirk (associating partners with Allah) being the gravest transgression. Shirk violates the fundamental principle of tawhid (divine unity) and constitutes the only sin Allah does not forgive if one dies upon it without repentance.
The placement of disobedience to parents immediately after shirk demonstrates its severe status in Islamic ethics. This elevates filial piety to a position of utmost religious importance, making it a duty second only to worship of Allah Himself.
Scholars explain that the conjunction "and" indicates these are the two greatest sins, with shirk being the absolute greatest. The Prophet's rhetorical question emphasizes the gravity of these offenses and serves as a powerful warning to the Muslim community.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith forms the basis for Islamic jurisprudence regarding parental rights. Disobedience to parents (uquq al-walidayn) encompasses any form of disrespect, neglect, or harm toward them, whether in speech or action.
The severe warning against these sins should inspire constant vigilance in maintaining pure monotheism and exemplary conduct toward parents, recognizing these as foundational to one's spiritual state and ultimate success in the Hereafter.