The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Avoid the seven great destructive sins." The people enquire, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What are they? "He said, "To join others in worship along with Allah, to practice sorcery, to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, (according to Islamic law), to eat up Riba (usury), to eat up an orphan's wealth, to give back to the enemy and fleeing from the battlefield at the time of fighting, and to accuse, chaste women, who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers.
The Seven Major Sins (Al-Kaba'ir)
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 2766 enumerates the gravest sins that lead to destruction in this world and the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) specifically highlighted these seven due to their severe consequences on individual faith and societal harmony.
Commentary on Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)
Shirk is mentioned first as it constitutes the ultimate transgression against Allah's exclusive right to worship. This includes major shirk (direct idolatry) and minor shirk (such as showing off in good deeds). The scholars explain that shirk is unforgivable if one dies upon it without repentance.
Sorcery and Its Prohibition
Sorcery involves seeking assistance from devils and constitutes disbelief in Allah's decree. Classical scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah explained that sorcery includes spells, divination, and magic that alter Allah's natural order. The practitioner of sorcery becomes a disbeliever according to many scholarly opinions.
Unlawful Killing and Its Conditions
The prohibition applies to killing without legitimate Islamic justification. Scholars specify lawful killing only in three cases: retribution for murder, punishment for adultery by a married person, and apostasy from Islam after established proof. All other killings constitute this major sin.
The Grave Sin of Riba (Usury)
Imam al-Qurtubi explains that riba includes all forms of interest-based transactions. The severity is emphasized by the wording "to eat up," indicating consumption of what is fundamentally unlawful. Scholars classify both giving and taking riba as equally sinful.
Misappropriating Orphan's Wealth
This prohibition extends beyond outright theft to include any misuse, negligence, or improper investment of orphan's property. Scholars stress that guardians must preserve and grow the orphan's wealth until they reach maturity, at which point it must be returned in full.
Fleeing from Battlefield
This applies when Muslims are fighting in legitimate jihad and the enemy numbers are at least double. Scholars like Imam an-Nawawi clarify that fleeing from battle demonstrates cowardice and lack of trust in Allah's promise of victory, thereby weakening the Muslim community.
Slandering Chaste Women
This refers to false accusations of adultery (qadhf) against virtuous Muslim women. Scholars emphasize that this sin carries both legal punishment in this world (eighty lashes) and severe punishment in the Hereafter, as it destroys reputations and family honor.
Scholarly Conclusion
The classical scholars conclude that these seven sins represent the foundation of evil that Muslims must avoid. While repentance is always available for those who sincerely turn to Allah, the gravity of these sins requires immediate cessation and sincere repentance to avoid eternal destruction.