The major sins in Islam are the acts that have been strictly forbidden by Allah Almighty and His Messenger PBUH. In this write-up, we shall write on the top 70 major sins in Islam with references from the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith.
“If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance into Paradise.”
Al-Qur’an (4:31)
So, we must be aware of these major sins and try to avoid them so that we would be forgiven on the day of judgment.
70 Major Sins in Islam
The following are the 70 major sins strictly prohibited in Islam and admonished by Allah in the Holy Qur’an and by Prophet (PBUH). Allah has associated strict punishment for these sins.
1. Shirk – Associating Partners with Allah
Shirk is the first major sin in Islam. This is completely an unpardonable sin in Islam.
As Allah says in Qur’an;
Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him. But He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.
Al-Qur’an (4:48)
2. Committing Murder
Islam strictly prohibits unlawful murder. Killing a human being is akin to killing the whole of humanity in the sight of Islam.
Allah says in Qur’an;
And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden (to be killed) except by right. And do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty.
Al-Qur’an (25:68)
3. Practising Black Magic
Those who practice black magic and inflict harm on others will find their place in hell.
According to Qur’an;
And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.
Al-Qur’an (2:102)
4. Not Performing the Prayers
Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam. According to a Hadith, prayer differentiates between believers and non-believers.
So, those who do not perform prayer cannot claim to be Muslims.
But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires, so they are going to meet evil.
Al-Qur’an (19:59)
5. Withholding the Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is the fifth pillar of Islam. Zakat is mentioned along with Salat (prayer) in 30 verses of the Quran.
And let not those who (greedily) withhold what Allah has given them of his bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled with what they withheld on the day of resurrection.
Al-Qur’an (3:180)
6. Not Fasting In Ramadan (Without Excuse)
Fasting is the third pillar of Islam. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is “Farz” for every mature Muslim (men and women). However, one can leave fasting on the day for valid reasons mentioned in Qur’an.
O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.
Quran 2:183
7. Not Performing Hajj while being able to do so
Hajj is the fourth pillar of Islam.
O people! Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah) has been made incumbent upon you, so perform Hajj.
Hadith [Book 10, Hadith 2]
8. Disobeying or Disrespecting Parents
Qur’an Kareem has special instructions on how to treat parents. Crossing the limits will have severe consequences in the hereafter.
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment, whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you. Say not to them [so much as] “uff”, and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small”.
Al-Qur’an
9. Cutting off the Ties of Relationships
Islam is strictly against those who sever ties with their relatives. In Qur’an, Allah SWT says;
So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on Earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? Those [who do so] are the ones that Allah has cursed. So He deafened them and blinded their vision.
Al-Qur’an (47:22-23)
10. Committing Adultery or Fornication
Unlawful sexual intercourse has severe punishment in this world as well as in the hereafter.
And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.
Al-Qur’an (17:32)
11. Committing Sodomy
Islam strictly prohibits sodomy in any case. Those who commit sodomy will meet the wrath of Allah on the day of judgment.
Allah will not look at a person [with pleasure] who commits sodomy with a man or a woman.
Hadith Sahih Al-Jami # 7678
12. Taking or Paying Interest (Riba)
Interest is something that Allah has openly declared war for. People who deal in interest actually fight a war with Allah.
Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the day of resurrection] except as one who stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, “Trade is [just] like interest”. But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So, whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to dealing in interest or usury, those are the companions of the fire. They will abide eternally therein.
Al-Qur’an (2:275)
13. Devouring the Wealth of Orphans
Islam strongly advocates for the rights of orphans. The religion has set guidelines on how to treat orphans.
Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire.
Al-Qur’an (4:10)
14. Lying about Allah and His Messenger (PBUH)
Lying about Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) is a major sin with severe punishments in the hereafter.
And on the day of resurrection, you will see those who lied about Allah with their faces blackened. Is there not in Hell a residence for the arrogant?
Al-Qur’an (39:60)
15. Running Away from the Battlefield
Allah does not like cowards. In Qur’an, Allah has admonished those who turn their backs to enemies.
And whoever turns his back to them on such a day unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah. And his refuge is Hell – and wretched is the destination.
Al-Qur’an (8:16)
16. The Unjust Leader
Islam never condones injustice. And especially when it is the person in power who commits injustice, he is committing a grave sin and will be severely punished in the hereafter.
The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the Earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment.
Al-Qur’an (42:42)
17. Pride and Arrogance
Allah does not like arrogance. Pride and arrogance are major sins in Islam.
Assuredly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.
Al-Qur’an (16:23)
18. Ungratefulness
On multiple occassions in Qur’an, Allah asks His servants to always be grateful. Ungratefulness is also one of the major sins in Islam.
So remember Me, I will remember you. And be grateful to Me, and do not deny Me.
Al-Qur’an (2:152)
19. Intoxicants (Alcohol & Drugs)
Allah has prohibited intoxicants. Any person who would consume drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants would commit sin (except for medical reasons).
O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan. So avoid it that you may be successful.
Al-Qur’an (5:90)
20. Gambling
The previous (above) Quranic verse also applies to this sin. Gambling destroys people morally and financially. Indeed, it is a work of Satan.
Islam has strictly prohibited gambling. Thus, gambling is one of the major sins in Islam.
21. Slandering Innocent Women
Before Islam, women were treated like animals. Islam has liberated women and placed them in a position of great respect.
Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chastity, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the hereafter; and they will have a great punishment.
Al-Qur’an (24:23)
22. Stealing from the Exploits of War & from the Money of Zakat
Another major sin is stealing from the exploits of wars or from the money collected from Zakat.
It is not [attributable] to any Prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays [taking unlawfully] will come with what he took on the day of resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned. And they will not be wronged.
Al-Qur’an (3:161)
23. Consuming Forbidden Wealth
And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that they might aid you to consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know it is unlawful.
Al-Qur’an (2:188)
24. Committing Highway Robbery
Theft/robbery is strictly forbidden in Islam. Highway robbery typically involves direct confrontation with the victim. Penalties for highway robbery in Islam include severing of the right hand and the left foot or imprisonment.
25. Making False Oath
And they are those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity.
Al-Qur’an (25:72)
26. Committing Oppression
Islam has always strictly remained against any kind of oppression.
Except those [poets] who believe and do righteous deeds and remember Allah often and defend [the Muslims] after they were wronged. And those who have wronged are going to know what [kind of] return they will be returned.
Al-Qur’an (26:277)
27. Levying Illegal Taxes
Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do you know who the bankrupt is? The bankrupt from my nation is the one who appears on the day of resurrection having performed the prayers, fasted and paid the zakah, but had also abused that person, slandered that person, wrongfully taken the wealth of that person and spilled the blood of that person. These people will take from his good deeds. If his good deeds are thereby exhausted, he will be given their sins and then he will be thrown into the hell-fire.
28. Stealing
Stealing, theft, and robbery are the same kind of sins and the same kind of punishments are inflicted on the criminals to set an example.
As for the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is exalted in might and wise. But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed, Allah will turn to him in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is forgiving and merciful.
Al-Qur’an (5:38-39)
29. Suicide
Suicide is also a major sin in Islam. Islam never allows taking one’s own life.
…And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever merciful. And whoever does that in aggression and injustice, then we will drive him into a fire. And that, for Allah, is easy.
Al-Qur’an (4-29:30)
30. The Perpetual Liar
Allah has cursed the liars in Qur’an.
And invoke the curse of Allah upon the Liars.
Al-Qur’an (3:61)
31. Judging Unjustly
In any society, being a Judge is a position of great responsibility.
And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then it is those who are the disbelievers.
Al-Qur’an (5:44)
32. Engaging in Bribery
And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that they might aid you to consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know it is unlawful.
Al-Qur’an (2:188)
33. Women appear like Men & Vice-Versa
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (PBUH) has said, “God has cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.”
Mishkat al-Masabih 4429
34. The Pimp who permits his wife to fornicate
On the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Three persons shall not enter paradise: The one who is disobedient to his parents, he who lets his wife to fornicate with another and the women who imitates men.
Hakim
35. Marrying Solely to Return to the Previous Husband
Ibn-e-Mas’ud (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH) has cursed the man who marries a woman after her divorce solely to permit her first husband.
Tirmidhi
36. Not Freeing Oneself of all Traces of Urine
And thy garments keep free from stain.
Al-Qur’an – Surah Al-Mudathir:4
Ibn-e-Abbas has narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) passed by two graves and said, “The two are being tormented, and not for anything excessive. One of them did not free himself of traces of urine, while the other was a talebearer.
Reported by Al-Bukhari
37. Showing Off
When they stand up for prayer, they do it half-heartedly only to be seen by people—hardly remembering Allah at all.
Al-Qur’an – Surah An-Nisaa # 142
So woe to those who pray [But] who are heedless of their prayer – those who make show [of their deeds].
Al-Qur’an (107:4-6)
38. Acquiring Knowledge only for Wordly Gains or Concealing Knowledge
Those who hide the clear proofs and guidance that We have revealed—after We made it clear for humanity in the Book—will be condemned by Allah and ˹all˺ those who condemn.
Al-Baqarah # 159
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who is asked something he knows and conceals it will have a bridle of fire put on him on the Day of Resurrection.”
Ibn Maajah
39. Breaching Trusts
O believers! Do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts knowingly.
Surah Anfaal # 27
40. Reminding People of One’s Kindness/Charity
O believers! Do not waste your charity with reminders ˹of your generosity˺ or hurtful words, like those who donate their wealth just to show off and do not believe in Allah or the Last Day. Their example is that of a hard barren rock covered with a thin layer of soil hit by a strong rain—leaving it just a bare stone. Such people are unable to preserve the reward of their charity.
Surah Baqarah # 264
41. Calling People Disbelievers
Narrated Abu Huraira that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “If a man says to his brother, O Kafir (disbeliever)!’ Then surely one of them is such (i.e., a Kafir).
Sahih al-Bukhari 6103
42. Spying or Eavesdropping on Others’ Private Conversations
And spy not on each other.
Al-Hujurat # 12
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever listens to people who are averse to his listening shall have molten lead poured into his ears on the Day of Judgment.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari
43. The Talebearer Who Stirs Up Enmity Between People
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who stirs up enmity among people by quoting their words to each other will not enter paradise.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
44. Cursing Others
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Insulting a Muslim is an act of immorality and fighting him is an act of disbelief.”
Al-Bukhari
It is not the character of a believer to indulge in slandering, cursing, or immoral talk.
At-Tirmdhi
45. Breaking One’s Promise
Honour [your] pledges, for you will surely be accountable for them.
Surah Al-Isra:34
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When you judge, then be just. When you make a covenant, then keep it. When your mercy is sought, then be merciful. Whoever does not do any of that, the curse of Allah, His angels, and all people will be upon him.”
Al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 725
46. Believing Fortunetellers
And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah).
Al-Isra:36
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty nights.”
Muslim (2230)
47. Wife’s Rebellion Against Her Husband
Men are the caretakers of women, as men have been provisioned by Allah over women and tasked with supporting them financially. And righteous women are devoutly obedient and, when alone, protective of what Allah has entrusted them with. And if you sense ill-conduct from your women, advise them first, if they persist, do not share their beds, but if they still persist, then discipline them [gently]. But if they change their ways, do not be unjust to them. Surely Allah is Most High, All-Great.
Al-Nisa:34
48. Picture-Making
It has been narrated in multiple Ahadith that Allah will severely punish picture-makers. You can read in detail about picture-making being haram in this article.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every maker of graven images will be in Hellfire. Every image he made will be given a soul to punish him in Hell.” Ibn Abbas said, “If you must do so, make images of trees or whatever does not have a soul within it.”
Sahih Muslim 2110
49. Loudly Lamenting on Adversity
Ibn Mas’ud (RA) reported, “The Prophet (PBUH) said that, “He who slaps his cheeks, rips his pockets, or calls out the cries of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance is not of us.”
Sahih Bukhari & Muslim
50. Excess against Others or Committing Injustice
Blame is only on those who wrong people and transgress in the land unjustly. It is they who will suffer a painful punishment.
Surah Ash-Shuraa:42
51. Overburdening or Arrogance against Others
And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, [needy] travellers, and those [bondspeople] in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful.
Surah An-Nisa:36
52. Harming Neighbours
The Prophet, (PBUH) said: “By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.’’ It was asked, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?’’ He said, “One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil”.
Sahih Bukhari
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Jibril kept recommending me to treat my neighbour well until I thought that he would tell me to make him one of my heirs”.
Sahih Bukhari:6014
53. Abusing or Hurting Muslims
As for those who abuse believing men and women unjustifiably, they will definitely bear the guilt of slander and blatant sin.
Surah Al-Ahzab:58
54. Dragging One’s Garment in Pride
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The garment of a Muslim should be lowered to the middle of the shin, but there is no harm or blame in what is between it and the ankles. Whatever is lower than the ankles is in the Hellfire. Whoever trails his garment in pride, Allah will never look to him.”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4093
55. Harming the Friends of Allah
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah said: Whoever shows hostility to a friend of Mine, I have declared war upon him”.
Sahih Bukhari # 6502
56. Men Wearing Silk & Gold
Wearing gold and silk has been made unlawful for the men of my community but permissible for its women.
Tirmidhi
Umar reported that he heard the Prophet (PBUH) say, “Do not wear silk, for those who wear it in this life shall not wear it in the Hereafter”.
Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim
57. A Slave running away from his Master (Without Reason)
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When the slave flee away [from his master], his/her prayer will not be accepted”.
Sahih Muslim
58. Sacrificing Animals for other than Allah’s Name
Do not eat of (the animal) over which the name of Allah has not been pronounced (at the time of its slaughtering), for that is a transgression.
Al-Qur’an 6:121
59. Falsely Claiming Someone is One’s Father
One who claims that someone is his father and knows that it is not true, will be forbidden of paradise.
Sahih Bukhari
60. Arguing or Quarreling for Show and Not Seeking the Truth
Whoever argues in support of something that is wrong and he knows it, Allah will be angry with him until he stops.
Hadith (Exact Citation is missing)
61. Not Allowing Excess Water to Flow to Others
Say, “Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?”
Surah Al-Mulk : 30
Whoever denies others his surplus water, Allah will say to him, “Today I will deny you my bounty as you did with what you could not create”.
Sahih Bukhari
62. Dealing with Fraud
Woe to the defrauders! Those who take full measure [when they buy] from people, but give less when they measure or weigh for buyers.
Surah Al-Mutaffifin:1-3
63. Disbelieving Fate
Then, did they feel secure from the plan of Allah? But no one feels secure from the plan of Allah except the losing people.
Surah Al-A’raf : 99
A man asked, “What is faith (believing)?” The Prophet (PBUH) said to him, “Believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets and the Day of Judgement, Resurrection after Death and Fate (Good or Bad).
Hadith
64. Eating Carrion, Blood, or Pork Meat
Say, O Prophet, “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat except carrion, running blood, swine—which is impure—or a sinful offering in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity—neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need—then surely your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Surah Al-An’am : 145
65. Despairing of Allah’s Help or Forgiveness
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
Surah Az-Zumar : 53
66. Continually Missing the Friday Prayer or Congregational Prayer without any Valid Reason
Prophet (PBUH) said, “If people don’t stop abandoning the Friday prayers, Allah may seal their hearts and they will become headless.”
Hadith
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever hears the prayer call and does not attend the congregational prayer, then his prayer is not valid (deficient), except if he has an excuse.”
Sahih/Authentic. – [Ibn Maajah]
67. Preaching or Establishing Errors
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who preaches for error will bear his sin and of those who follow him, with no decreasing for their sins…
The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “Every new established thing is an error in religion.”
68. Being Deceiving and Plotting Evil
..behaving arrogantly in the land and plotting evil. But evil plotting only backfires on those who plot. Are they awaiting anything but the fate of those [destroyed] before? You will find no change in the way of Allah, nor will you find it diverted [to someone else].
Surah Fatir : 43
69. Pointing a Weapon at a Muslim Brother
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “None of you should point at his brother with a weapon because he does not know that Satan may make it lose from his hand and, as a result, he may fall into a pit of Hell-fire (by accidentally killing him).”
Al-Bukhari and Muslim
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who points at his (Muslim) brother with a weapon is cursed by the angels even if the other person should be his real brother.”
Sahih Muslim
70. Disparaging the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH)
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah said: Whoever shows hostility to a friend of Mine, I have declared war upon him”.
Sahih Bukhari : 6502
“Do not revile my Companions, do not revile my Companions. By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if one amongst you would have spent as much gold as Uhud it would not amount to as much as one much on behalf of one of them or half of it.”
Sahih Muslim : 2540
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