What is a Major Sin

The opinion that is supported by the evidence, is that whoever practices a sin that:

1. Necessitates a 'Hadd'^[1] in this life ^[2], such as murder, fornication or theft. Or
2. A warning concerning it [specifically] is conveyed, whether it is a warning of punishment in the afterlife ^[3] , of Allah’s anger ^[4] or a threat ^[5]
3. or that the practice of such a sin was cursed by our prophet Muhammad ^[6] - صلى الله عليه وسلم.

These are indeed major sins, and it must be understood that some major sins are greater than others…

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Translators notes:

Examples:

[1] The "Hadd" is a punishment (corporal or capital) that is specifically defined (or 'fixed') in Islamic law.

[2] A Hadd; such as for fornication: {The fornicatress and the fornicator, flog each of them with a hundred stripes. [An Noor: 2]

[3] A Warning of Punishment in the Afterlife: { Verily, those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, they eat up only fire into their bellies, and they will be burnt in the blazing Fire! [An Nisaa: 10]

From the Sunnah:“Do not gain knowledge to compete with the scholars, or to debate with the foolish, or to draw attention to yourselves in gatherings. For whoever does so, then it is the fire! The fire!”

[4] Allah’s anger:{ And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein; and the Anger and Curse of Allah are upon him, [An Nisaa: 93]

From the Sunnah: “There is not a person who walks arrogantly, exalting himself, except that he would meet Allah while Allah is angry with him.”

[5] A threat: Usury [Ribaa] {…but if you do not [give up usury] then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger, but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. [Al Baqarah: 279]

[6] The Messenger’s curse - صلى الله عليه وسلم : “The Messenger cursed men who dress like women and women who dress like men.”

Note that continuously practicing a minor sin is a major sin.