Major Sins in Islam That Lead to Hellfire

In Islam, sins are categorized into major (kaba’ir) and minor (sagha’ir) based on their severity, the textual evidence condemning them, and the prescribed punishments. Major sins are those grave transgressions that have been explicitly warned against in the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). These sins are so severe that they can lead a person to Hellfire (Jahannam) if not repented from sincerely before death. However, Islam emphasizes Allah’s mercy; even major sins can be forgiven through tawbah (repentance), which involves regretting the sin, ceasing it, and resolving not to return to it.

The concept of major sins is derived from various sources. A well-known hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim lists seven destructive sins that doom a person to Hell. This hadith states: “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” When asked what they are, the Prophet replied: “Associating partners with Allah; witchcraft; killing a soul which Allah has forbidden except in the course of justice; devouring the property of orphans; consuming usury; fleeing on the day of marching (to the battlefield); and slandering chaste, innocent, believing women.” Beyond these seven, scholars like Imam al-Dhahabi in his book Al-Kaba’ir (The Major Sins) compiled a list of approximately 70 major sins, drawing from Quranic verses, hadiths, and scholarly consensus.

This list is not exhaustive but serves as a comprehensive guide to warn Muslims against actions that incur Allah’s wrath and potentially lead to eternal or temporary punishment in Hellfire.

The consequences of major sins are dire. The Quran warns: “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the Wrath and the Curse of Allah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him” (An-Nisa 4:93). However, for believers who commit major sins (except shirk), Hellfire may be temporary if Allah wills, as intercession or mercy could eventually lead them to Paradise.

This article explores the seven primary destructive sins in detail, followed by an expanded list of 70 major sins, their explanations, and references where applicable. The goal is to educate and encourage avoidance and repentance, aligning with Islam’s focus on spiritual purification.

The Seven Destructive Sins

These sins are highlighted in the aforementioned hadith as particularly heinous, capable of dooming one to Hellfire. Each is explained below with Quranic and hadith references.

1. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)
   Shirk is the gravest sin in Islam, involving worshiping anything or anyone alongside Allah or attributing divine qualities to creation. It nullifies all good deeds and leads to eternal Hellfire if one dies without repenting. The Quran states: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills” (An-Nisa 4:48). Forms include major shirk (like idol worship) and minor shirk (like showing off in worship). The Prophet said: “The greatest sin is to join partners with Allah in worship when it is He Who created you” (Sahih al-Bukhari). Consequences include being barred from Paradise: “Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode” (Al-Ma’idah 5:72). Repentance requires affirming tawhid (oneness of Allah) purely.
2. Sihr (Witchcraft or Sorcery)
   Witchcraft involves using supernatural means, often invoking jinn or demons, to harm others or create illusions. It is a form of shirk because it relies on entities other than Allah. The Quran mentions: “And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon… And they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife” (Al-Baqarah 2:102). The Prophet classified it among the destructive sins, and practitioners may face execution in Islamic law if proven. Hellfire awaits those who die unrepentant, as it undermines faith in Allah’s sole control over the universe. Examples include love spells, evil eye inducement, or fortune-telling that claims knowledge of the unseen.
3. Qatl (Unlawful Killing)
   Killing a soul without just cause, such as in self-defense or legal punishment, is a major sin. This includes murder, abortion after ensoulment, or euthanasia. The Quran warns: “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right” (Al-Isra 17:33). For intentional killing of a believer, the punishment is eternal Hellfire unless repented, but scholars differ on eternity for Muslims. The hadith emphasizes: “The killing of a believer is greater in Allah’s sight than the perishing of the world” (Sahih Muslim). Societal consequences include blood feuds, but Islam promotes qisas (retribution) or diyah (blood money) for justice.
4. Akl Amwal al-Yatama (Consuming Orphans’ Wealth)
   This sin involves unjustly taking or mismanaging the property of orphans (children who lost their fathers before puberty). Orphans are vulnerable, and Islam mandates their protection. The Quran commands: “And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity” (Al-An’am 6:152). Devouring their wealth leads to Hellfire: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire” (An-Nisa 4:10). This sin exploits the weak, contradicting Islamic values of justice and compassion.
5. Riba (Usury or Interest)
   Riba is any unjust gain in transactions, such as interest on loans or unequal exchanges. It exploits the needy and creates economic inequality. The Quran declares war on those involved: “O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest… But if you do not – then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger” (Al-Baqarah 2:278-279). The Prophet cursed the taker, giver, recorder, and witnesses of riba (Sahih Muslim). Hellfire is promised, as it opposes halal trade and charity.
6. Al-Firar min al-Zahf (Fleeing from the Battlefield)
   Deserting Muslim forces during jihad (legitimate defensive war) without a valid reason, like strategy, is a betrayal. The Quran states: “O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight]” (Al-Anfal 8:15). This sin endangers the community and shows cowardice, leading to Hellfire. Exceptions include tactical retreats.
7. Qadhf al-Muhsanat (Slandering Chaste Women)
   Accusing chaste, believing women (or men) of adultery without four witnesses is a grave sin. It damages reputation and society. The Quran prescribes: “And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses – lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after” (An-Nur 24:4). This leads to Hellfire, as it spreads falsehood and harms innocents.

The Expanded List of 70 Major Sins

Imam al-Dhahabi’s Al-Kaba’ir lists around 70 major sins, building on the seven above. These are not ranked strictly but are all severe enough to warrant Hellfire without repentance. Below is a comprehensive list with brief explanations and references.

8. Not Performing Salah (Prayer): Abandoning the five daily prayers intentionally. The Prophet said: “The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has disbelieved” (Tirmidhi). Leads to Hellfire as it severs the link with Allah.
9. Withholding Zakat: Refusing to pay obligatory charity on wealth. Quran: “And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment” (At-Tawbah 9:34). Results in heated metals in Hell.
10. Breaking Fast in Ramadan Without Excuse: Intentionally invalidating the fast. Hadith warns of severe punishment in the afterlife.
11. Not Performing Hajj When Able: Delaying or neglecting pilgrimage despite capability. Quran implies it’s a debt to Allah (Al-Imran 3:97).
12. Disrespect to Parents: Saying “uff” or disobeying them. Quran: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment” (Al-Isra 17:23). Leads to exclusion from Paradise.
13. Severing Ties of Kinship: Cutting off family relations. The Prophet said: “The one who severs ties of kinship will not enter Paradise” (Sahih Muslim).
14. Adultery or Fornication (Zina): Illicit sexual relations. Quran: “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse” (Al-Isra 17:32). Punishment includes stoning or lashing, and Hellfire.
15. Sodomy (Homosexuality): Same-sex relations, condemned like zina. Based on the story of Lut’s people.
16. Lying: Especially false testimony. The Prophet listed it among major sins (Sahih al-Bukhari).
17. Oppression and Injustice: Wronging others. Quran: “Indeed, the wrongdoers are in lasting torment” (Ash-Shura 42:45).
18. Pride and Arrogance: Looking down on others. Hadith: “One who has an atom’s weight of pride will not enter Paradise” (Sahih Muslim).
19. Bearing False Witness: Perjury. Counts as a major lie, leading to social chaos.
20. Drinking Alcohol: Intoxicants. Quran: “Intoxicants and gambling… are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork” (Al-Ma’idah 5:90). Multiple offenses compound to major sin.
21. Gambling: Betting or games of chance. Same verse as above.
22. Stealing: Theft beyond minor. Punished by amputation in law, Hellfire in afterlife.
23. Highway Robbery: Banditry. Quran prescribes crucifixion or exile (Al-Ma’idah 5:33).
24. False Oath (Al-Yamin al-Ghamus): Swearing falsely to deceive. Dips one into Hellfire.
25. Bribery: Corrupting justice. The Prophet cursed the briber and bribed.
26. Woman Imitating Man and Vice Versa: Gender role reversal in appearance or behavior.
27. Being a Pimp or Cuckold: Facilitating adultery.
28. Marrying a Mahram: Incestuous marriage.
29. Cheating in Measures: Fraud in business. Quran: “Woe to those who give less [than due]” (Al-Mutaffifin 83:1).
30. Listening to People’s Private Conversations: Eavesdropping without right.
31. Cursing Frequently: Habitual cursing.
32. Breaking Promises: Violating trusts.
33. Believing in Astrology or Omens: Denying qadar (divine decree).
34. Woman’s Bad Conduct Toward Husband: Disobedience in halal matters.
35. Making Statues or Pictures: Of living beings, as it mimics creation.
36. Lamenting and Wailing: Excessive mourning.
37. Wronging One’s Servant: Abuse of employees or slaves.
38. Smelling Bad: Offending others with odor.
39. Harming Neighbors: The Prophet said good neighborliness is part of faith.
40. Harming Muslims: Verbal or physical abuse.
41. Trailing Garment in Pride: Dragging clothes arrogantly.
42. Men Wearing Silk or Gold: Prohibited luxuries.
43. Slave Running Away from Master: In historical context.
44. Slaughtering in Name Other Than Allah: Shirk in sacrifice.
45. Falsely Claiming Fatherhood: Denying lineage.
46. Arguing and Quarreling: Without basis.
47. Withholding Excess Water: Denying water rights.
48. Dealing in Fraud: In weights and measures.
49. Feeling Secure from Allah’s Plan: Presuming salvation without effort.
50. Despairing of Allah’s Mercy: Losing hope.
51. Cheating the Spoils of War: Misappropriating booty.
52. Woman Traveling Alone: Without mahram for long distances.
53. Eating Pork or Impure Food: Knowingly consuming haram.
54. Suicide: Killing oneself. Hadith: “Whoever kills himself with something will be punished with it in Hell” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
55. Constantly Missing Friday Prayer: Without excuse.
56. Spying on Muslims: Violating privacy.
57. Cursing the Companions: Insulting Sahaba.
58. Innovating in Religion (Bid’ah): Adding un-Islamic practices.
59. Beautifying Adultery: Promoting zina.
60. Usurping Muslim’s Right: Unjust seizure.
61. Collecting Taxes Unjustly: Oppressive taxation.
62. Consuming Haram Wealth: From illegal sources.
63. Forging Statements: Attributing false hadiths.
64. Laughing at Muslims’ Sins: Mocking repentance.
65. Dragging Feet in Prayer: Laziness in worship.
66. Building Mosques Over Graves: Leading to shirk.
67. Imitating Disbelievers: In prohibited ways.
68. Helping in Sin: Facilitating wrongdoing.
69. Swearing by Other Than Allah: Minor shirk.
70. Harassing Pious People: Offending awliya (friends of Allah).

Each of these sins, if committed without repentance, can lead to punishment in Hellfire, varying in severity. Scholars note that persistence in minor sins can elevate them to major status.

Consequences and Repentance

The Quran describes Hellfire vividly: seven gates, each for a class of sinners (Al-Hijr 15:44), with boiling water, pus, and thorny food. Major sins like riba, zina, and alcohol are linked to specific torments. However, Allah’s mercy prevails: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins'” (Az-Zumar 39:53).

Repentance involves sincerity, cessation, regret, and restitution if possible. Good deeds erase sins: prayer, fasting, Hajj, and charity. Avoiding major sins purifies the soul and secures Paradise.

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Understanding major sins is crucial for Muslims to safeguard their faith and afterlife. While the seven destructive sins form the core, the 70 provide a broader warning. By adhering to Quran and Sunnah, seeking knowledge, and repenting, one can avoid Hellfire and attain Allah’s pleasure. May Allah protect us from these sins and grant us Jannah.