Explain what is the meaning of major and minor sins?

Answer

The classification of sins into major and minor is a mere technical issue. Literally, all sins are major and serious. A person who commits a sin thinking lightly of it because of its 'minor' (sagheerah) classification, has in fact thought lightly of Allah Ta'ala. Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha) narrating a Hadith said: "Beware of thinking lightly of sins."

A sin is classified 'minor' in relation to another sin. A sin being minor does not mean that it is insignificant. Sometimes the punishment for even a 'minor' sin is severer than that of a technically 'major' sin. The sin of verbally abusing a Muslim is 'minor' in relation to the sin of physically hitting a Muslim. The sin of consuming liquor is 'minor' in relation to committing murder. But by itself it is a major sin, and so too is abusing a Muslim a major sin. Looking at a woman with lust is a 'minor' sin in relation to committing fornication. But by itself it is a major sin. And why will it not be a major sin of an exceptional degree when Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "He who looks with lust at the beauty of a woman will have (hot) iron rods inserted into his eyes on the Day of Qiyaamah." So while this grave sin may be technically classified as 'sagheerah' (minor), the severity of the punishment is adequate to dispel any idea of insignificance.

Most people have misunderstood the meaning of minor and major sins. They have understood from this classification that to commit 'minor' sins is not a serious offence. This is a dangerous misinterpretation which can even extinguish Imaan.

The one who has authority over others should counsel and admonish his subordinates for every sin whether it is classified as major or minor. View all sins alike, namely, all sins are major literally speaking, and warrants Allah's Wrath and Punishment.