What About Major Sins?

Major sins include: murder, adultery, rape, theft, interest, and oppression.

• If someone commits such crimes, they must repent sincerely and face the prescribed worldly punishment if proven.
• Allah can forgive any sin if repentance is sincere before death:

Qur’an 39:53
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

• Forgiveness from Allah does not remove the requirement for justice in this world.

Qur’an 5:45
And We prescribed for them in it: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds [equal] retribution. But if anyone remits it by charity, it is expiation for him.

Context

• This law was prescribed to the Children of Israel and similarly in Islam for justice.
• Who applies it? The victim or the victim’s family has the right to demand retribution (Qisas).
• Optional forgiveness: If the victim or family chooses to forgive, it is considered an act of charity and reward, and the perpetrator is not punished in the worldly sense.
• Purpose: This ensures justice and fairness, prevents personal vengeance, and allows mercy to be exercised consciously.

Qur’an 2:178
“O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered—the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if any remission is made by the brother [i.e., the victim’s family], then grant any reasonable demand and compensate them with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy.

Qur’an 5:38-39
As for the thief, the male and female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed Allah will turn to him in forgiveness.”

• These verses show that worldly punishments must be applied to maintain justice, while Allah’s forgiveness remains open for sincere repentance. Related article: Punishment for Theft in Islam

Qur’anic Context

Surah Hud 11:114
Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.

Surah An-Nisa 4:31
If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance.

Surah Az-Zumar 39:53
Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

These verses show that minor sins are easily forgiven through acts of worship, including prayer.

Lesson for Today

• Focus on praying sincerely and mindfully, even for small daily sins.
• Avoid thinking forgiveness is automatic for repeated negligence – intention and awareness matter.
• Minor sins can be erased easily, motivating believers to maintain consistency in prayer and remembrance.