A Great Book On Major Sins Is Imam Ad-Dhahbi’s book on Major sins called al-Kaba’ir. This Article Will Be A Summary Of His Book
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Imam Ad Dhahabi’s Introduction
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of all beings, and there is no enmity except against the wrongdoers. May the prayers and peace be upon our master Muhammad ﷺ, the leader of the messengers and the imam of the pious, and upon his family and all his companions.
To proceed, this is a book containing mention of matters related to the major sins, the forbidden acts, and the prohibited matters.
Major sins are what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden in the Book, the Sunnah, and in the reports from the righteous Salaf. Allah the Exalted has promised in His noble Book that whoever avoids the major sins and the forbidden acts, He will forgive for him the minor sins. Allah says:
إن تجتنبوا كبائر ما تنهون عنه نكفر عنكم سيئاتكم وندخلكم مدخلا كريما
“If you avoid the major sins that you are forbidden, We will remove from you your minor sins and admit you into an honourable entrance” (al Nisa: 31).
So Allah has guaranteed by this text that whoever avoids the major sins will be admitted into Paradise.
And Allah said:
والذين يجتنبون كبائر الإثم والفواحش وإذا ما غضبوا هم يغفرون
“And those who avoid the major sins and indecencies, and when they are angry they forgive” (al Shura: 37).
And He said:
والذين يجتنبون كبائر الإثم والفواحش إلا اللمم إن ربك واسع المغفرة
“And those who avoid the major sins and indecencies except the minor ones, indeed your Lord is vast in forgiveness” (al Najm: 32).
And the Messenger of Allah said: “The five prayers, from one Jumuah to the next Jumuah, and from one Ramadan to the next Ramadan are expiations for what is between them, if the major sins are avoided. So it becomes necessary for us to investigate what the major sins are, so that the Muslims can avoid them” (Muslim and al Tirmidhi narrated this from Abu Hurayrah, and the wording is Muslim’s. Al Tirmidhi said it is hasan sahih. He said there are also narrations in this chapter from Jabir, Anas, and Hanzalah al Asidi. His commentator said: the hadith of Jabir was narrated by Muslim, the hadith of Anas was narrated by al Bukhari and Muslim, and the hadith of Hanzalah, who is also called Hanzalah the scribe, was narrated by Ahmad with a good chain, raised as marfu’).
In another version it is said: “And they are an expiation for what is between them so long as the major sins are not committed”
The hadith is also narrated by al Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah, and by Abu Dawud and al Nasa’i
And it was narrated by Abd al Razzaq and al Tabari in his Tafsir regarding the verse “If you avoid the major sins that you are forbidden”
So we found that the scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, differed about the number of major sins. Some said they are seven, and they used as proof the saying of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him: “Avoid the seven destructive sins.”
Ibn Abbas (d. 68 AH) said: They are closer to seventy than to seven. And by Allah Ibn Abbas spoke the truth. The hadith does not confine the major sins to only seven. What is correct and proven by evidence is that whoever commits any of these grave matters, such as those which carry a prescribed punishment (hadd) in this world like killing, zina, or theft, or those which have been threatened with punishment in the Hereafter like torment, anger, or threat, or those upon which there is a curse upon the one who commits it on the tongue of our Prophet Muhammad, then that is a major sin. (Footnote: And the major sin is every sin that has a prescribed punishment (hadd) in this world or a threat in the Hereafter. Shaykh al Islam added: or in which there came a warning by negation of iman, or by a statement such as “he has nothing to do with us,” and similar expressions.
The correct position is that sins are divided into major and minor, and that among the major sins there are those greater than others. Al Izz ibn Abd al Salam al Shafi’i (d. 660 AH) said: I have not come across a definition of major sin that is free from objection. The definition that Shaykh al Islam and others mentioned, that it is every sin that involves a prescribed punishment, a threat, a curse, or a negation of iman, is among the soundest definitions.
It is reported from Sa’id ibn Jubayr (d. 95 AH) that a man said to Ibn Abbas: The major sins are seven. Ibn Abbas replied: They are closer to seven hundred than to seven. However, there is no major sin with seeking forgiveness, and there is no minor sin with persistence. In another narration from him: They are closer to seventy. The scholars counted them and they reached seventy, or more than seventy.)
And it must be accepted that some major sins are greater than others. Do you not see that associating partners with Allah is not merely counted as one of the major sins, rather the one who commits it will remain forever in the Fire and he will never be forgiven. Allah the Exalted says:
إن الله لا يغفر أن يشرك به ويغفر ما دون ذلك لمن يشاء
“Indeed Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whomever He wills” (al Nisa: 48).
Summary Of The Book
The Number of Major Sins
In this book, Imam al Dhahabi (d. 748 AH) speaks about seventy major sins, which he arranged carefully according to the proofs found in the Quran and the hadith. The number of major sins is not fixed, since other scholars have mentioned different numbers in their writings on this subject.
The Proofs Of These Major Sins
The book is filled with verses from the Quran and hadiths of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him that condemn the major sins. This gives the book its strength in proof and authority. For example, the author cites the verse:
إن الله لا يغفر أن يشرك به ويغفر ما دون ذلك لمن يشاء (النساء: 48)
“Indeed Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whomever He wills” (al Nisa: 48).
This verse makes clear that shirk with Allah is the greatest of the major sins.
The book also explains that major sins are the great acts of disobedience that Allah has threatened with punishment in the Hereafter. Among the proofs is the hadith of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him: “Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins? They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah. He said: associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, and killing a soul” (reported by al Bukhari).
Types of Major Sins
Imam al Dhahabi divided the major sins into different categories based on the nature of the act. Among them are:
- Major sins related to aqeedah, such as shirk with Allah and reviling the religion.
- Major sins related to moral character, such as lying, backbiting, tale carrying, and arrogance.
- Major sins related to the rights of people, such as killing without right, zina, and theft.
- Major sins related to the rights of Allah, such as abandoning the prayer, drinking intoxicants, and consuming riba.
Consequences of Major Sins
Imam al Dhahabi devoted a large part of his book to explaining the results of committing major sins. In this world they cause corruption, destruction of character, loss of honour, and spread of chaos. In the Hereafter they can lead to punishment in the Fire if the sinner does not repent.
The author points out that if someone commits major sins and then sincerely repents, Allah may forgive him. Allah said:
إن الله يغفر الذنوب جميعا إنه هو الغفور الرحيم (الزمر: 53)
“Indeed Allah forgives all sins. Indeed He is the All Forgiving, the Most Merciful” (al Zumar: 53).
Repentance from Major Sins
Imam al Dhahabi explains that repentance must be sincere. The one who repents must feel regret for his sin, feel deep sorrow for what he has done, and firmly resolve not to return to it.
After that he should increase in righteous deeds that remove sins, such as prayer, charity, and maintaining family ties. Imam al Dhahabi encourages repentance from the major sins, as it is the only way to be saved from the punishment of Allah for those who fall into them.
The Importance of Avoiding Major Sins
Imam al Dhahabi emphasises the importance of avoiding major sins and holding firmly to taqwa of Allah. By doing so a Muslim will have a good life in this world and salvation in the Hereafter. Major sins harm character, bring the anger of Allah, and bring about destruction. Avoiding them raises a Muslim in the levels of iman, brings Allah’s pleasure, and brings peace and tranquillity.
The Call to Preserve Islamic Morals
In the book, the author shows how major sins destroy good morals. Sins such as backbiting and tale carrying destroy relations between people. Sins such as lying and theft corrupt society. Because of this, Imam al Dhahabi urges Muslims to hold to the morals that Islam commands, such as truthfulness, trustworthiness, and justice.
The Social Effects of Major Sins
The author explains that major sins do not affect the sinner alone, but affect the entire society. They spread corruption, weaken stability, and cause problems such as injustice, crime, and loss of respect for the rights of others.
The General Warning Against Major Sins
At the end of the book, Imam al Dhahabi warns Muslims against treating any major sin lightly, even if it seems small in the eyes of some people. He explains that major sins are not only individual acts but have an effect on the entire Ummah. For this reason, every Muslim must be careful in his behaviour and make sure to avoid major sins in every way.
The Major Sins Mentioned in the Book
In al Kabair, Imam al Dhahabi mentions seventy major sins, explaining their proofs and consequences. Among the most important are:
Shirk with Allah
This is the greatest of the major sins. It includes everything that goes against tawhid, such as worshipping idols or calling upon other than Allah.
Killing a soul without right
This is among the greatest of sins. It includes deliberate killing without any legal justification, whether killing another human being or committing any form of unlawful aggression against life.
Zina
This is committing sexual relations outside the bond of lawful marriage. It is one of the major sins forbidden strongly in Islam, and the Quran has many verses that prohibit it.
Theft
Theft is a major sin that carries prescribed punishments in Sharia, such as cutting the hand in cases of serious theft.
Riba
Riba is unlawful increase in financial dealings. It is a major sin that corrupts wealth and society.
Backbiting (ghiba)
This is to mention about a person in his absence what he dislikes. It is a major sin that destroys trust and harms reputations.
Tale carrying (namima)
This is spreading words between people to cause harm, conflict, and division.
Drinking intoxicants
Drinking wine or any intoxicant is a major sin. It damages the intellect and corrupts behaviour. Allah has forbidden it in the Quran.
Accusing chaste women (qadhf)
This is accusing believing chaste women of zina without proof. It is a major sin that threatens society with corruption.
Disobedience to parents
This is one of the gravest of the major sins. It means failing to honour, obey, and serve the parents, and it causes the anger of Allah.
Lying
Lying is a major sin because it distorts truth, misleads people, and destroys trust.
Fighting in the path of Allah for wealth or status
Jihad must be sincerely for Allah alone. If it is done for wealth or worldly position, it becomes a major sin.
Abandoning the prayer
Neglecting the prayer or abandoning it is among the greatest of the major sins. Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam which Allah has made obligatory.
Sorcery
Sorcery is one of the greatest of the major sins. It goes against tawhid, corrupts aqeedah, and destroys relations between people.
Arrogance and pride
Arrogance towards people and pride over one’s ability is a major sin that ruins character and destroys bonds between people.
Abuse and foul speech
Reviling, cursing, and foul words are among the major sins, since they harm others and spread division in the community.
Hoarding (Ihtikar)
Hoarding goods and preventing them from reaching the market in order to manipulate prices and cause harm to people is counted among the major sins.
Gambling (Qimar)
Gambling is playing with money through wagers and betting that lead to the loss of wealth without right.
Taking the Rights of the Weak
Transgressing against the rights of the poor and the weak in society, such as wronging the orphans or manipulating public wealth, is among the major sins.
Oppression (Zulm)
Oppression in all of its forms, whether against oneself or others, is among the greatest of the major sins and threatens the stability of society.
Consuming the Wealth of the Orphan
Consuming the wealth of orphans is among the gravest of major sins in Islam. The Quran has warned repeatedly against consuming the wealth of orphans unjustly and has threatened severe punishment for those who do so.
Fleeing from the Battlefield
Fleeing from the battlefield when fighting in the path of Allah is one of the major sins, as it is counted as betrayal of the trust of jihad.
Imitation of the Opposite Gender
Imitating women for men or men for women, in a way that stirs fitna, is against the natural disposition. This is one of the major sins and includes wearing the clothing of the opposite gender or adopting behaviours that go against one’s natural identity.
Killing Without Right
Killing without a legal reason is among the major sins that bring severe punishment in both this world and the Hereafter, whether by deliberate killing or unlawful aggression against the lives of others.
Boasting (Tafakhur)
Boasting and showing superiority over others, whether by wealth, knowledge, or beauty, is a major sin that corrupts natural humility which Islam commands.
Seeking Judgment by Taghut
Turning to taghut, which is judging by laws and systems other than the Sharia of Allah, is a major sin that contradicts tawhid.
Seizing Public Wealth
Taking over public wealth unlawfully or manipulating public funds is one of the major sins that harms society and spreads corruption.
Fabricating Lies Against Allah and His Messenger
Fabricating lies against Allah or His Messenger by attributing words or actions falsely to them is among the gravest of the major sins.
Breaking Promises and Covenants
Failing to fulfil a promise or breaking a covenant is a major sin in Islam, as it is betrayal of trust and causes the loss of rights.
Inciting Fitna
Inciting fitna, whether religious or social, leads to the disunity of society and is counted among the major sins that harm the unity of the Muslims.
Cursing or Reviling the Companions of the Prophet
Cursing or reviling the companions of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him, who strove to spread Islam, is one of the major sins. It causes fitna and harms the unity of the Muslims.
Listening to Prohibited Songs
Listening to prohibited songs or music that leads a person away from the straight path is among the major sins, as it influences both behaviour and thought.
Mocking the Religion or the People of Religion
Mocking the religion or mocking righteous people is one of the major sins that destroys faith and human values.
Abandoning Zakat
Failing to pay zakat on wealth that is due is a major sin, as zakat is an obligatory act of worship and one of the pillars of Islam.
Miserliness (Bukhl)
Miserliness and withholding spending in the path of Allah, or depriving others of their rights, is a major sin that corrupts the self and damages the relationship with Allah and with society.
Collaborating with Non Muslims Against the Muslims
Aiding the enemies of Islam against Muslims is a major sin. It harms the unity of the Ummah and weakens its strength.
Cheating in Trade
Cheating in commercial transactions is a major sin. Deceiving people with weights and measures or in dealings causes harm to others and spreads corruption in the market.
Laziness in Work
Laziness in work and abandoning responsibilities is counted among the major sins, as Islam commands serious effort and earning through lawful means.
Excessive Boasting of Social Status
Boasting of social status or wealth creates division and arrogance in society. It is among the major sins because it encourages pride and class discrimination.
Abandoning Congregational Prayer
Abandoning the congregational prayer is one of the major sins, especially for men who are obliged to attend the prayer in the masjid. The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said: “Whoever hears the call to prayer and does not come, there is no prayer for him except with an excuse.”
Arrogance Towards the Servants of Allah
Arrogance towards people due to wealth or status is a major sin, because it creates division and prevents humility which Islam commands.
Inclining Towards Immorality and Sodomy (Liwat)
Liwat is a prohibited act that goes against the natural disposition upon which Allah created mankind. It is among the major sins strongly forbidden in Islam.
Following Innovations and Misguidance
Following innovations and abandoning the Sunnah is one of the major sins that takes people away from the correct path of Islam.
Betraying Trusts (Amanat)
Wasting or betraying trusts is among the major sins. This includes failing to protect anything that a person is entrusted with, whether wealth, words, covenants, or rights.
Pride in Wealth or Knowledge
Being proud because of wealth, knowledge, or any blessing from Allah is among the major sins, as it corrupts both the person and society.
Lying Against the Messenger of Allah
Lying about the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him is one of the greatest of major sins. The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him warned: “Whoever lies upon me deliberately, let him take his seat in the Fire.”
Spreading Corruption Among People
Spreading corruption among people through lies, rumours, and fitna is one of the major sins and leads to the tearing apart of society.
Hypocrisy (Nifaq)
Nifaq is one of the major sins and is more dangerous than many other acts of disobedience. Nifaq in religion nullifies deeds and brings the anger of Allah.
Sins Related to Honour
Assaulting the honour of others through slander, abuse, or defamation is a major sin. This includes qadhf, belittling, and spreading accusations against the believers.
Consuming the Wealth of People Unjustly
Consuming the wealth of others unjustly is a major sin. This includes riba, theft, hoarding, embezzlement, or manipulating wealth through unlawful means.
Suicide
Suicide is a major sin that goes against the decree of Allah. It shows objection to the qadar of Allah. The one who kills himself is threatened with not entering Paradise.
False Testimony
Giving false testimony in courts or legal matters is one of the major sins. It harms justice and spreads oppression among people.
Spreading Corruption on Earth
Corruption on earth is a major sin that includes theft, fraud, bribery, or any action that harms the interests of society and spreads destruction.
Ruling by Unjust Laws
Judging by non Islamic laws or ruling in religious matters according to other than Sharia is among the major sins that contradict the rulings of Allah.
Failing to Help the Needy
Abandoning the help of the poor and orphans is a major sin that harms social and human relations.
Arrogance in Knowledge
Arrogance because of knowledge and looking down on others because of it is a major sin. It causes a closed mind and prevents the proper spread of knowledge.
Gambling
Gambling, which is playing with money through bets and wagers, is a major sin. It corrupts wealth and causes harm to the person and families.
Assaulting Others by Beating
Physically attacking others without right is one of the major sins that spreads violence in society.
Reliance Without Effort (Tawakul without Action)
Abandoning effort and work while claiming reliance is a major sin. It means failing to strive for provision or care for family. Islam commands effort and responsibility.
Excess in Eating
Excess in eating and wasting food is a major sin. It causes harm to health and is counted as extravagance.
Being Overly Attached to the World
Excessive concern for the dunya and its desires at the expense of the akhirah is a major sin. It harms religion and distracts from worship and remembrance of Allah.
Envy (Hasad)
Hasad is among the major sins. It means wishing for the removal of the blessings of others or disliking what Allah has given them. It leads to hatred and division among people.
Sins Related to the Body
These include extravagance in beautifying the body in ways that harm health.
Drugs and Intoxicants
Taking drugs or intoxicants is among the major sins. It affects the intellect and destroys social and economic life.
Common Questions
One of the most asked questions about the book al Kabair is:
How many major sins did Imam al Dhahabi mention in his book? Imam al Dhahabi (d. 748 AH) mentioned seventy major sins in his book. He explained each of them with detail, using proofs from the Quran and the Sunnah, and clarifying their consequences.
