The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The biggest of Al-Ka`ba'ir (the great sins) are (1) to join others as partners in worship with Allah, (2) to murder a human being, (3) to be undutiful to one's parents (4) and to make a false statement," or said, "to give a false witness."
Exposition of the Hadith on Major Sins
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (6871) enumerates the gravest transgressions in Islam, known as Al-Kaba'ir. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly identifies these sins to warn the Ummah and guide them away from spiritual destruction.
Commentary on Shirk (Polytheism)
The foremost major sin is Shirk - associating partners with Allah in worship. This constitutes the ultimate transgression against Tawhid (Divine Oneness) and is the only sin Allah may not forgive if one dies upon it, as stated in the Quran (4:48). It invalidates all deeds and severs one's connection with the Creator.
The Gravity of Unlawful Killing
Murder ranks second among major sins due to its violation of the sanctity of human life, which Allah declares sacred in the Quran (5:32). The legal consequences involve Qisas (retribution) or Diyat (blood money) in this world, while its spiritual consequences in the Hereafter are severe unless repented from sincerely.
Disobedience to Parents
Being undutiful to parents ('Uquq al-Walidayn) follows immediately after murder in severity. Islam elevates parental rights to an extraordinary status, linking their pleasure with Allah's pleasure. This sin combines ingratitude with cruelty toward those who deserve utmost honor and kindness.
False Testimony and Lying
The final major sin mentioned is false testimony or lying. Scholars note the Prophet's slight variation in wording indicates the gravity of both false oath and general falsehood. False testimony corrupts justice, violates others' rights, and spreads corruption in society, making it among the most destructive social sins.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
These major sins require immediate repentance (Tawbah) comprising remorse, abandonment of the sin, and firm resolution not to return. While some carry legal penalties (Hudud) in Islamic law, all demand spiritual cleansing. The sequencing indicates their relative severity, with sins against Allah preceding those against His creation.