In Islam, a sin is defined as any act which contradicts the commandments or Will of Allah (the One God, the Creator). Some sins are regarded as major, while others are considered minor. What are the differences between the two?
Major Sins in Islam
Some scholars assert that there are seven major sins, based on the following narration (hadith) by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "Avoid the seven noxious things: associating anything with Allah, magic, killing one whom Allah has declared inviolate without a just case, consuming the property of an orphan, devouring usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Other scholars cite evidence that Islam's major sins are actually much greater in number.
These religious scholars define major sins as acts which are expressly forbidden in the Qu'an or by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), or for which there is a hadd punishment under Islamic law. A hadd punishment is a punishment specified by Allah in the Qur'an.
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