Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said thrice, "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.
The Gravity of Major Sins
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 5976 enumerates the most grievous sins in Islam, beginning with shirk (associating partners with Allah) and disobedience to parents. The Prophet's repetition and physical posture change emphasize the severity of these transgressions.
Scholarly Commentary on Shirk and Parental Disobedience
Shirk constitutes the ultimate transgression as it violates the fundamental principle of Tawhid (Divine Unity). Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain that shirk nullifies all good deeds and excludes one from Paradise.
Disobedience to parents ('uquq al-walidayn) follows immediately in severity. Scholars note that this includes any form of disrespect, neglect, or causing distress to parents, especially in their old age. The proximity of this sin to shirk demonstrates its gravity in Islamic ethics.
The Prophetic Warning Against False Testimony
The Prophet's repeated warning against false testimony (shahadat al-zur) highlights its destructive nature. Imam al-Nawawi comments that false testimony corrupts justice, destroys rights, and undermines social order.
Classical jurists classify false testimony as among the kabair (major sins) that require sincere repentance. The Prophet's insistence indicates the grave consequences this sin has on both individual spirituality and communal harmony.
Practical Implications for Muslim Conduct
This hadith from "Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)" in Sahih al-Bukhari serves as a fundamental guide for Muslim character. Scholars emphasize that avoiding these major sins is essential for salvation and constitutes the foundation of righteous conduct.
The teaching reminds believers to constantly examine their actions, particularly in matters of faith, family obligations, and truthfulness in speech and testimony.