Degrees of sinfulness
The Qur'an and accompanying tafsir literature discuss the concept of sinfulness in terms of major and minor sins, along with the consequences of these actions. In Surah Al-An'am, it is stated: Forsake the outwardness of sin and the inwardness thereof. Lo! those who garner sin will be awarded that which they have earned.
6:120. This verse emphasizes that both outward actions and internal thoughts of sin are significant, suggesting that the severity of sin can be understood not only through visible actions but also through one's intentions and feelings.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir elaborates on this by discussing the types of sins, indicating that major sins are those that come with severe warnings or punishments, while minor sins can be forgiven through sincere repentance. He mentions that, according to Ibn Abbas, the number of major sins is more than seven, potentially reaching up to seventy, reinforcing the notion that some sins carry more weight than others.
In contrast, Majma al-Bayan notes that the Qur'an encourages believers to avoid major sins. It explains that major sins (kaba'ir) are those for which God has decreed severe punishment, while minor sins are viewed as less severe but still not to be taken lightly. The consensus among scholars is that avoidance of major sins guarantees the forgiveness of minor sins, which suggests a framework where sins are categorized based on their severity and the consequences they carry.
Additionally, hadith literature provides insight into specific major sins identified by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Sunan an-Nasa'i records: The major sins are associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, killing the soul, and taking false oaths excessively.
Sunan an-Nasa'i 37:45. This categorization helps define the degrees of sinfulness in practical terms, illustrating the actions that are viewed as gravely significant in Islam.
Overall, the notion of degrees of sinfulness is addressed through the Qur'an and tafsir, which categorize sins into major and minor, emphasizing the importance of sincere repentance and the hope for Allah’s forgiveness.
Sources
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6:120 · Al-An'aam
6:120 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَذَرُوا۟ ظَٰهِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ ٱلْإِثْمَ سَيُجْزَوْنَ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَقْتَرِفُونَ
Forsake the outwardness of sin and the inwardness thereof. Lo! those who garner sin will be awarded that which they have earned.
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 6:120
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 6:120
Mujahid explained the phrase "and leave what is obvious and what is hidden of sin" as referring to one's disobedience both openly and in secret. In a reported narration from him, he further clarified that this includes the sinful actions a person intends and then carries out. Qatada interpreted this verse to mean abandoning the sin whether it is little or much, and whether it occurs secretly or publicly. Al-Suddi provided a specific example: the apparent sin is adultery with prostitutes who openly seek pleasure, while the hidden sin is committing adultery with intimate female friends or close companions. Ikrimah said the apparent sin means unlawful sexual relations with those who are forbidden, i.e., close relatives. The correct understanding, however, is that the verse is general, applying to all types of sin, whether visible or hidden. This interpretation aligns with God's statement elsewhere: "Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden indecencies—what is apparent of them and what is concealed—, and sin and oppression without right, and associating with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority.'" (Al-A'raf 7:33) Because of this, God says, "Indeed, those who earn sin will be recompensed for what they used to commit," meaning whether the sin was apparent or concealed, God will surely recompense them accordingly. Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Al-Hasan ibn 'Arafah, from 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Mahdi, from Mu'awiyah ibn Salih, from 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jubayr ibn Nufayr, from his father, from An-Nawwas ibn Sam'an that he asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about sin, and the Prophet said, "Sin is whatever unsettles your heart and you dislike people knowing about it."
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 37:45
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 37, Hadith 45 · Narrated by Anas
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The major sins are associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, killing a soul, and bearing false witness.
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