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What is the correct stance regarding a sin about which scholars have differed, whether it is a major sin or a minor one, and what is the fundamental principle concerning sins?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

A major sin is defined as any sin for which a worldly or otherworldly punishment has been threatened, such as a curse, wrath, or hellfire. Whatever does not fit this definition and for which there is no text that makes it a major sin, is a minor sin. When there is disagreement about whether a sin is minor or major, the evidence is examined; if it indicates that it is a major sin, then it is so, otherwise, it is a minor sin. It is important for a Muslim to abandon all sins, as minor sins can lead to major sins, and persistence in them transforms them into major sins.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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