His father - who was one of the Companions of the Prophet [SAW] - told him: "A man said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what are the major sins?' He said: 'They are seven; the most grievous of which are associating others with Allah, killing a soul unlawfully and fleeing (from the battlefield) on the day of the march.'" It is abridged.
Hadith Text & Context
The hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i 4012, in the Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed], presents a profound question posed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding the major sins (al-Kaba'ir). The response enumerates seven, with particular emphasis on three: Shirk (associating partners with Allah), unlawful killing, and fleeing from battle.
Commentary on the Three Grave Sins
Associating Others with Allah (Shirk): This is the gravest sin in Islam, as it violates the fundamental principle of Tawhid (God's Oneness). It is the only sin Allah may not forgive if one dies upon it, as it contradicts the very purpose of creation.
Killing a Soul Unlawfully: This refers to murder without legal right. It is a transgression against the sanctity of life, which Allah has made sacred. The gravity is such that it is likened to killing all of humanity, while saving one life is like saving all of humanity.
Fleeing from the Battlefield: This act is singled out due to its catastrophic consequences for the Muslim community. It represents cowardice, abandonment of one's duty to defend the faith and the community, and can lead to widespread weakness and defeat.
Scholarly Insights & Legal Rulings
Scholars explain that the list of seven is not exhaustive but highlights the most severe transgressions. Other major sins include usury, consuming orphans' wealth, slandering chaste women, and witchcraft.
The ruling for unlawful killing is capital punishment (Qisas) for the murderer, or blood money (Diyah) if the victim's heirs choose to forgive. Fleeing from a mandatory battle is a major sin that can incur severe punishment in this life and the Hereafter, depending on the circumstances and intention.
Spiritual & Moral Lessons
This hadith serves as a powerful reminder to constantly safeguard one's faith and actions. It teaches that the most severe crimes are those that corrupt one's relationship with Allah, followed by those that harm other human beings and the collective security of the Muslim Ummah.
A believer must therefore hold their faith, life, and communal responsibilities in the highest regard, seeking constant repentance and avoiding all paths that lead to these grave sins.