Halal vs Haram: To gain insight into the fundamental tenets of the Islamic religion, you need an extensive understanding of its doctrinal base, concepts, and jurisprudence. So we are on these three important subjects now; islamic sins (al-Kaba’ir) then the belief in holy books, then the lawful and unlawful (What is halal and what is haram). This section is structured to provide enlightenment, practical scenarios, and recognized citations from divine sources.
Major Sins in Islam (Al-Kaba’ir)
Definition and Significance
Sins in Islam are divided into major (kaba’ir) or minor (sagha’ir). Major sins consist of actions that are explicitly disallowed by Allah and His Messenger, usually followed by grave warnings of punishment in both this the dunya and the Akhirah. Avoiding these sins is necessary for every Muslim seeking Allah’s joy and everlasting success.
The Seven Major Sins (As per Hadith)
While scholars differ on the exact number, a famous hadith lists seven major sins:
| # | Major Sin | Description |
| 1 | Shirk | Associating partners with Allah |
| 2 | Murder | Unjustly taking a life |
| 3 | Consuming Orphan’s Property | Taking wealth entrusted to you for an orphan |
| 4 | Riba (Usury/Interest) | Engaging in interest-based transactions |
| 5 | Witchcraft | Practicing magic or sorcery |
| 6 | Theft | Stealing |
| 7 | Disobedience to Parents | Showing disrespect or neglect to one’s parents |
Expanded List of Major Sins
Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Haythami and Al-Dhahabi have identified up to 70 or more major sins. Here are some additional examples:
- Not performing the five daily prayers (Salah)
- Not paying Zakat (obligatory charity)
- Not fasting during Ramadan without valid excuse
- Not performing Hajj when able
- Cutting off family ties
- Adultery and fornication (zina)
- False accusations of zina
- Consuming intoxicants (alcohol, drugs)
- Gambling
- Bearing false witness
- Oppression and injustice
- Pride and arrogance
- Slandering chaste women
How to Seek Forgiveness for Major Sins
Repentance (Tawbah) is always open, except for shirk if one dies without repenting. The process involves:
- Acknowledging the sin
- Feeling genuine remorse
- Ceasing the sinful act immediately
- Resolving never to return to the sin
- Seeking Allah’s forgiveness through prayer and good deeds3
Belief in Holy Books
Core Belief
Belief in the holy books is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. Muslims agree with that Allah found out scriptures to numerous prophets as steerage for humanity.
The Main Holy Books in Islam
| Book Name | Prophet Received | Description & Status in Islam |
| Qur’an | Muhammad | Final, unaltered word of Allah; ultimate authority for Muslims |
| Tawrat (Torah) | Moses | Original revelation to Israelites; respected but believed to be altered |
| Zabur (Psalms) | David | Book of praise and wisdom; respected, not a book of law |
| Injil (Gospel) | Jesus | Original gospel given to Jesus; believed to be lost or altered |
| Suhuf of Ibrahim | Abraham | Early scriptures; little detail remains |
Key Beliefs about the Holy Books
- The Qur’an is the final and most complete revelation, preserved in its original form.
- Previous scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel) were true revelations but are believed to have been altered or lost over time.
- All holy books provided guidance, but only the Qur’an is considered fully authoritative today.
What is Haram? The Concept of Halal vs Haram
Definitions
- Halal: Permissible or lawful according to Islamic regulation.
- Haram: Forbidden or unlawful; any act explicitly prohibited by way of Allah or His Messenger.
| Ruling | Arabic Term | Description |
| Obligatory | Fard/Wajib | Must be done; neglect is sinful |
| Recommended | Mustahabb | Rewarded if done, not sinful if omitted |
| Permissible | Mubah | Neutral; neither rewarded nor punished |
| Disliked | Makruh | Avoided is better, but not sinful if done |
| Forbidden | Haram | Absolutely prohibited; sinful if committed |
The Five Rulings in Islamic LawExamples of Halal vs Haram
| Category | Halal (Permissible) | Haram (Forbidden) |
| Food | Halal meat, fruits, vegetables | Pork, carrion, blood, alcohol |
| Finance | Trade, profit-sharing | Riba (interest), gambling |
| Behavior | Honesty, charity, kindness | Lying, stealing, backbiting |
| Dress | Modest clothing | Wearing gold/silk (for men), immodesty |
| Relationships | Marriage, family ties | Adultery, fornication, homosexuality |
Why is Something Haram?
An act is considered haram if it’s far explicitly prohibited within the Qur’an or actual Hadith. The knowledge at the back of prohibitions frequently relates to shielding faith, life, mind, lineage, and belongings.
Consequences of Engaging in Haram
- Spiritual consequences: Distance from Allah, loss of blessings
- Social consequences: Harm to individuals and society
- Legal consequences: In some cases, prescribed punishments under Islamic law
Halal vs Haram: A Comparative Table
| Aspect | Halal (Permissible) | Haram (Forbidden) |
| Definition | Allowed by Islamic law | Prohibited by Islamic law |
| Source | Qur’an, Sunnah, scholarly consensus | Qur’an, Sunnah, scholarly consensus |
| Examples | Halal food, marriage, charity | Alcohol, pork, usury, adultery |
| Consequence | Reward or no sin | Sin, possible punishment |
| Intention | Good intention increases reward | Bad intention increases sin |
Practical Tips for Avoiding Major Sins and Haram
- Seek Knowledge: Learn what is considered major sin and haram through authentic sources.
- Routine Inner Reflection: Assess your actions and intentions daily.
- Choose Positive Companions: Surround your self with folks who inspire righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it imply that sins of the predominant (kaba’ir) are greater serious than sins of the minor?
A: There are degrees of sin.But all sins still need repentance.
Q: Will you forgive the ‘great’ sins?
A: Yes, except shirk if one dies without repenting. True repentance wipes out every sin.
Q: Why do Muslims accept previous holy texts if they are tampered with?
A: You believe in the original revelations, but only the Qur’an is fully preserved
Conclusion
Major sins are extremely grave, and must be kept in mind by every Muslim, whilst also remembering that belief in all holy books is a vast necessity, and halal vs haram should always be made clear. These principles not only guide personal faith; they influence moral choices and relationships. Muslims seek to live a life that is pleasing to Allah through these principles, which are rooted in knowledge, consistency, and mercy.
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