The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Al-Ka`ba'ir (the biggest sins) are: To join others (as partners) in worship with Allah, to be undutiful to one's parents," or said, "to take a false oath." (The sub-narrator, Shu`ba is not sure) Mu`adh said: Shu`ba said, "Al-Ka`ba'ir (the biggest sins) are: (1) Joining others as partners in worship with Allah, (2) to take a false oath (3) and to be undutiful to one's parents," or said, "to murder (someone unlawfully).
Blood Money (Ad-Diyat) - Sahih al-Bukhari 6870
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Al-Ka`ba'ir (the biggest sins) are: To join others (as partners) in worship with Allah, to be undutiful to one's parents," or said, "to take a false oath." (The sub-narrator, Shu`ba is not sure) Mu`adh said: Shu`ba said, "Al-Ka`ba'ir (the biggest sins) are: (1) Joining others as partners in worship with Allah, (2) to take a false oath (3) and to be undutiful to one's parents," or said, "to murder (someone unlawfully).
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith enumerates the gravest sins (kaba'ir) in Islam, beginning with shirk - associating partners with Allah - which is the only unforgivable sin if one dies upon it. The uncertainty in narration regarding the order demonstrates the companions' meticulous preservation of prophetic teachings.
Being undutiful to parents follows shirk in gravity, highlighting the sacred status of parents in Islamic ethics. The false oath refers to sworn testimony in legal matters, undermining justice. Murder's inclusion shows the sanctity of human life, directly connecting to the chapter's theme of blood money (diyat).
Classical scholars note these sins share gravity because they violate fundamental rights: Allah's right (shirk), parents' rights, societal rights (false oaths), and human life rights (murder). The variation in listing reflects the Prophet's multiple teachings on major sins, all emphasizing avoidance of these destructive acts.