Ruling on Committing Major Sins (Kaba'ir)

Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (May Allah protect him)

Question:​

What is the ruling according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah regarding a person who commits major sins (kaba'ir)?

Answer:​

A person who commits major sins is considered a fasiq (transgressor) or deficient in faith according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah. This is because committing major sins while persisting in them, coupled with negligence toward repentance, constitutes a grave transgression. Such behavior indicates a lack of seriousness toward the severity of sin, which could potentially lead to Allah’s punishment and even risks falling into disbelief (kufr).

The Danger of Major Sins​

1. Weakening of Faith:
   • Major sins weaken one’s faith and diminish the fear of Allah in the heart. Repeated sinning can cause the heart to become desensitized, leading to further acts of disobedience such as:
     • Adultery (zina)
     • Drinking intoxicants (alcohol or drugs)
     • Arrogance and pride
     • Oppression, theft, and false accusations
   • This gradual desensitization makes acts of worship like prayer (salah) and charity (sadaqah) seem burdensome, which is a dangerous indication of spiritual decline.
2. Potential to Lead to Disbelief:
   • When acts of worship become burdensome, it can signify a lack of sincerity or an abandonment of the belief in Allah’s commands. This condition is perilous and could lead to apostasy (irtidad).
3. Usage of "Kufr" for Major Sins:
   • Some hadiths use the term "kufr" to describe certain major sins to emphasize their severity. For example:
     • The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
       "Abusing a Muslim is an act of disobedience (fisq), and killing him is an act of disbelief (kufr)."
       [Saheeh Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith no. 64]
     • The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
       "The one committing adultery is not a believer while doing so..."
       [Saheeh Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith no. 57]
   • These narrations highlight the temporary removal of the influence of faith from the heart during the act of sinning, but do not imply outright disbelief.

Differing Views Among Islamic Groups​

1. Khawarij:
   • Declared major sinners to be outright disbelievers (kuffar).
   • This extreme position is not accepted by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah.
2. Mu‘tazilah:
   • Considered major sinners to be in a state between faith (iman) and disbelief (kufr), a concept called "manzilah bayn al-manzilatayn."
   • However, they also held that such individuals would remain in Hell eternally.
3. Murji’ah:
   • Took an overly lenient approach, declaring major sinners as still being perfect in faith (kamil al-iman), arguing that sins do not harm one’s faith as long as belief is present.
4. Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah:
   • Adopted a moderate approach:
     • Major sinners are considered fasiq (transgressors) and deficient in faith, but they are not disbelievers (kuffar).
     • They remain believers due to their internal affirmation of Allah, the Last Day, and the core tenets of Islam.
     • However, they are under the Will of Allah in the Hereafter:
       • Allah may punish them for their sins in Hell.
       • They may eventually be granted Paradise through intercession or Allah’s mercy.

Key Principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah Regarding Major Sins​

1. Major Sinners Are Not Disbelievers:
   • Committing a major sin does not expel one from Islam unless accompanied by a belief or act of clear kufr.
2. Iman Can Fluctuate:
   • Faith increases with obedience and decreases with sin. A major sinner is considered deficient in faith but still within the fold of Islam.
3. Hope and Fear:
   • The sinner should fear Allah’s punishment while hoping for His mercy. They must repent sincerely and reform their actions.
4. Ultimate Outcome in the Hereafter:
   • Major sinners may face punishment for their transgressions, but those who die upon tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) will eventually enter Paradise by Allah’s mercy.

Conclusion​

According to Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah, committing major sins renders a person a fasiq (transgressor) and deficient in faith, but not a disbeliever. Such individuals remain under Allah’s Will in the Hereafter:

• They may face punishment for their sins.
• However, they can eventually be granted Paradise through repentance, intercession, or Allah’s mercy.

Allah knows best!