Avoid the seven noxious things. It was said (by the hearers): What are they, Messenger of Allah? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Associating anything with Allah, magic, killing of one whom God has declared inviolate without a just cause, consuming the property of an orphan, and consuming of usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers, but unwary.
The Seven Major Sins - Commentary on Sahih Muslim 89
This hadith from The Book of Faith in Sahih Muslim enumerates the seven destructive sins that Muslims must strictly avoid. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly listed these grave offenses to warn the ummah of their severe consequences in this life and the hereafter.
1. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)
The gravest of all sins, shirk constitutes denying Allah's exclusive right to worship. This includes idolatry, seeking intercession from other than Allah, or attributing divine qualities to created beings. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that shirk is the one sin Allah may not forgive if one dies upon it.
2. Magic (Sihr)
Magic involves seeking help from jinn or devils to harm others or alter reality through supernatural means forbidden by Islamic law. Scholars classify magic as kufr (disbelief) when it involves shirk, and as major sin when it causes harm without shirk elements.
3. Unjust Killing
Taking human life without legitimate Islamic justification violates the sanctity Allah granted to human beings. Exceptions include lawful punishment (qisas), combatants in justified war, and those sentenced for spreading corruption. The Quran equates unjust killing with killing all humanity.
4. Consuming Orphan's Property
This sin exploits the vulnerability of orphans by unlawfully taking their wealth. Guardians must protect and manage orphan properties until they reach maturity. The Quran contains severe warnings against devouring orphan wealth, describing it as consuming fire into one's belly.
5. Usury (Riba)
Riba refers to interest-based transactions that Islam strictly prohibits due to their exploitative nature. It creates economic injustice and disrupts social harmony. The Quran declares war from Allah and His Messenger against those who engage in usury.
6. Desertion from Battlefield
Fleeing when the Muslim army advances demonstrates cowardice and weak faith. This betrayal endangers fellow Muslims and undermines collective defense. Scholars extend this principle to abandoning religious obligations when facing difficulty.
7. Slandering Chaste Women
Falsely accusing believing women of immorality destroys reputations and families. The punishment for such slander (qadhf) is severe in Islamic law, requiring eighty lashes and rejecting the accuser's testimony forever unless they repent.
Scholarly Observations
Classical scholars note these seven represent categories of major sins rather than an exhaustive list. Their severity stems from harming one's relationship with Allah and society. The hadith's structure shows descending order of gravity, with shirk being most severe. Repentance is required for all these sins, with additional restitution where applicable.