Hadith Text and Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The biggest sins are: To join others in worship with Allah; to be undutiful to one's parents; to kill somebody unlawfully; and to take an oath Al-Ghamus." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6675)

Explanation of Major Sins

This hadith enumerates four of the gravest sins in Islam, beginning with shirk (associating partners with Allah), which is the only sin Allah will not forgive if one dies upon it without repentance.

Being undutiful to parents follows, as honoring them is among the greatest obligations after worshipping Allah alone.

Unlawful killing is prohibited as it violates the sanctity of human life created by Allah.

The Nature of Al-Ghamus Oath

Al-Ghamus refers to a false oath taken deliberately to usurp someone's property or rights. Scholars explain it as "the drowning oath" because it drowns the perpetrator in sin and the Fire.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani states in Fath al-Bari that this oath involves swearing falsely about something in the past while knowing it's untrue, intending to deprive a Muslim of their right.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi comments that these sins are called "biggest" due to their severe consequences in this life and the Hereafter.

Ibn al-Jawzi explains that Al-Ghamus is particularly grave because it combines lying, betrayal, and taking Allah's Name in vain.

The inclusion of this oath among shirk, murder, and parental disobedience demonstrates its severity in Islamic law.

Legal Implications

Scholars agree that one who commits Al-Ghamus must immediately repent to Allah and restore any rights taken through the false oath.

Maliki and Hanbali jurists emphasize that repentance requires returning the usurped property and seeking forgiveness from the wronged party.

This hadith serves as a severe warning against using oaths to deceive others or gain unlawful benefits.