Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “Avoid the seven noxious things." When his hearers asked, “What are they, messenger of God?" he replied, “Associating anything with God, magic, killing one whom God has declared inviolate without a just cause, devouring usury, consuming the property of an orphan, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet." (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Seven Noxious Things - Mishkat al-Masabih 52
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim enumerates the seven destructive sins that Muslims must strictly avoid, as they corrupt faith and society.
Shirk: Associating Partners with God
The gravest sin is shirk - attributing partners to Allah in worship or divinity. This nullifies tawhid (divine unity) and cannot be forgiven unless repented from before death.
Magic and Sorcery
Practicing sihr involves seeking help from jinn and devils, constituting disbelief. It manipulates creation through forbidden means and disrupts divine order.
Unlawful Killing
Taking life without legitimate Islamic justification - such as murder, killing non-combatants, or extrajudicial execution - violates Allah's sanctity of life.
Riba: Usury and Interest
Consuming riba constitutes economic exploitation, forbidden for causing societal harm and injustice. It includes all forms of interest-based transactions.
Misappropriating Orphan Wealth
Unjustly consuming orphan property violates divine trust. Guardians must protect and increase such wealth until orphans reach maturity.
Desertion in Battle
Fleeing when the Muslim army advances demonstrates cowardice and weak faith, except in legitimate tactical maneuvers permitted by Islamic law.
Slandering Chaste Women
Accusing believing women of unchastity without four witnesses destroys reputations and families. This requires severe legal punishment (hadd) for false accusers.