The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed] - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4015

This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a profound hierarchy of major sins as clarified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). When questioned about the gravest sin, he enumerated four paramount transgressions that violate fundamental Islamic principles.

Commentary on Shirk (Setting Up Rivals to Allah)

Shirk constitutes the ultimate transgression in Islam, as it violates the fundamental principle of Tawhid (Divine Unity). The scholars explain that shirk nullifies all good deeds and places one outside the fold of Islam if committed knowingly and intentionally without repentance.

Ibn Kathir notes that shirk is the only sin Allah does not forgive if one dies upon it, as stated in the Quran: "Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills."

Commentary on Adultery with Neighbor's Wife

This sin combines two major transgressions: adultery (zina) and violation of neighborly rights. Classical scholars emphasize that the neighbor's protection is sacred in Islam, making this violation particularly heinous. Al-Qurtubi explains that this sin breaches multiple trusts simultaneously - the sanctity of marriage, the rights of the neighbor, and the honor of families.

Commentary on Killing Children

The prohibition against killing children, especially for fear of poverty, reflects Islam's sanctification of life and trust in Divine Provision. Ibn Taymiyyah comments that this practice from the pre-Islamic era of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) demonstrates extreme lack of trust in Allah's sustenance. The scholars note that this includes both physical killing and emotional/psychological destruction of children.

Context of Abdullah's Quranic Recitation

The companion Abdullah's subsequent recitation of the verse "And those who invoke not any other Ilah (god) along with Allah" (Quran 25:68) serves as a powerful reinforcement. Al-Tabari explains that this verse connects directly to the first and gravest sin mentioned - shirk - while also encompassing the protection of innocent life mentioned in the subsequent verses.

Scholarly Observations

Imam Nawawi observes that this hadith establishes a clear hierarchy of sins, with shirk at the apex due to its fundamental violation of Islamic creed. The other sins mentioned represent grave violations of human rights that flow from corrupted belief.

Al-Shawkani notes that the mention of these specific sins serves as a warning against the most destructive behaviors that corrupt both individual spirituality and social order.