The Consequences of Sin
The commission of sins and transgressions has significant repercussions for the sinner. Among these is the estrangement that develops between the individual and their Creator, Allah (the Exalted). Such actions can lead to negative perceptions of Allah’s mercy and justice. A persistent sinner experiences a profound sense of alienation, which remains even in the presence of worldly pleasures and desires. This disconnection persists until one seeks repentance and returns to Allah. Moreover, a sinner may fall prey to the whispers of Satan, leading them to mistakenly believe themselves to be righteous despite their transgressions. The shame that accompanies sinning often becomes visible, alienating the faithful and depriving the sinner of the spiritual blessings that come from noble companionship. Many scholars agree that a continual pattern of sinning can diminish one’s enjoyment of acts of worship, creating barriers between the sinner and the path to divine mercy.
Types of Sin
Scholars categorize sins into minor and major categories based on what is established in the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the Muslim community. The major sins highlighted in the Hadith that warns against the “seven destructive sins” do not exhaust the list of transgressions. Thus, the classification of major sins has expanded amongst scholars, defining it to include any act that is met with a prohibition paired with a warning, threat, curse, or designation as sinful, or that leads to the imposition of a legal punishment. Some scholars have noted that both minor and major sins can escalate in significance when associated with particular circumstances; for instance, adultery is a significant sin, but it becomes graver if committed with a neighbor’s spouse. Likewise, murder is a grave sin, yet its severity increases in a sacred place like the Haram. It is also crucial to recognize that persistent engagement in minor sins can elevate them to major status. As the predecessors have stated, there are no minor sins if one persists in them, nor are there major sins that cannot be forgiven through sincere repentance. Thus, underestimating minor sins can be detrimental, while avoiding major sins can serve as an expiation for any minor transgressions one may commit.
The Distinction between Sins and Wrongdoing
In Arabic, the term for sin is “dhamb,” with its plural being “dhunub.” It refers to actions that are unlawful and can also be labeled as sin, offense, or wrongdoing. The terms “sin,” “wrongdoing,” “evil deed,” and “transgression” share similar implications. A transgression may be referred to as a sin or mistake, and it is incumbent upon Muslims to exercise caution regarding all types of wrongdoing, regardless of their labels. It is essential for an individual to avoid everything that Allah (the Exalted) has prohibited, whether referred to as a sin, offence, or transgression, as these terms collectively encompass all that is forbidden by Allah.