Does merely persisting in minor sins render one an evildoer, or is persisting in minor sins considered a major sin only if one's transgressions outweigh one's acts of obedience, as opposed to someone whose acts of obedience outweigh their transgressions?

Scholars differ regarding the ruling on persisting in minor sins (sagha'ir):

- Al-Shawkani is of the view that persisting in a minor sin does not transform it into a major sin (kabirah); rather, its ruling remains that of the act persisted in. - The preponderant view is that persisting in a minor sin makes it a major sin. - A person's uprightness (adalah) is forfeited by committing a major sin or by persisting in a minor sin.

Scholars hold two main views regarding the definition of persistence that forfeits uprightness:

1. Shafi'is: There are two opinions within this school: One is that the persistence which negates uprightness is the continuous commission of a particular type of minor sin. The other is the frequent commission of minor sins, whether they are of one type or various types. This aligns with the majority view that a person whose acts of obedience outweigh their sins is considered upright. 2. Hanafis: If good deeds are more numerous than evil deeds and major sins are avoided, then one's testimony is accepted. However, frequent commission of sins affects one's testimony. 3. Hanbalis: The determining factor is what predominates. It is also said that if a minor sin is repeated by a person, their uprightness is forfeited. Another opinion states it is forfeited after three times. 4. Malikis: They do not stipulate that minor sins must outweigh acts of obedience. Rather, they forfeit uprightness by committing minor sins of ignobility (sagha'ir al-khissah) even once. As for minor sins that are not of ignobility, uprightness is not forfeited unless one persists in them.