Major Sins (19)

19) Drinking Alcohol

Allah, Most High says, {O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, sacrificing to stones and (divination by) arrows, is an abomination, of Satan's handiwork: Eschew such (abomination) that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from Prayer: will ye not then abstain?} (Al-Ma'idah: 90-91)

Thus, Allah the Exalted forbids wine and warns us of approaching it.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "A void wine, it is the mother of abomination."1

Therefore, if anyone does not avoid it, he then disobeys Allah and His Messenger and thus entails punishment.

Allah the Almighty says, {But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a fire, to abide therein: and they shall have a humiliating punishment.} (An-Nisa'i: 14)

Ibn 'Abbas related that, "When the wine was forbidden, the companions (of the Prophet) met each other and said, The wine was forbidden and became equal to polytheism (Shirk)." 2

'Abdullah Ibn 'Amr held that, "Wine is the worst of the major sins.” 3

Undoubtedly, wine is the core of abominations. Moreover, he who drinks it was cursed in various hadiths. "Every intoxicant is wine and every wine is unlawful. Whoever it in the world and dies addictive to it without repentance, he will not drink it in the Hereafter."4

"Whoever drinks wine in this world it shall be forbidden for them in the next.”5

"A drunkard is like a worshiper of an idol."6

"He who shows disrespect to his parents and the drunkard will not enter Paradise.” 1

1 It is a part of a hadith reported by Ad-Darqutni, An-Nasa'i and AI-Baihaqi.

2 Reported by AI-Hakim in AI-Mustadrak and it is an authentic hadith

3 Reported by AI-Hakim in 'Mustadrak' and it is an authentic hadith.

4 Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud, At- Tirmidhi and Ahmad.

5 Reported by Al-Bukhari, An-Nisa'i and AI-Baihaqi.

6 Reported by Ibn Majah, Ahmad and Al-Baihaqi.

"Three people, Allah will deprive them of Paradise; the drunkard, the one who shows disrespect to his parents and the pimp who admits what his family do of abomination”.2

Further, Allah does not accept the good deeds of a drunkard. Jabir Ibn ' Abdullah relates that the

Prophet (pbuh) said, "There are Three people from whom Allah does not accept their Prayer nor do their good deeds rise up to heaven: the fleeing slave until he returns to his masters and surrends to them, the woman who annoys her husband until he is pleased with her, and the drunkard until he becomes conscious” 3

The Arabic word Khamr is what befogs the mind in whatever form: soft, solid, edible or beverage.

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudari related that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Allah does not accept the Prayers from him who drinks wine so long as there is still something of it in his body” 4

"Whoever drinks wine Allah never accepts what he does: Whoever is intoxicated by drinking it will not have his Prayers accepted for forty morning (days). If he repents but drinks again, Allah will make him drink from the molten brass of the Hell-fire.”5

"Whoever drinks wine without being intoxicated, Allah rejects him for forty nights. If he dies during this period, he dies as an idol worshiper.”6

'Abdullah Ibn Awfa said, "Whoever dies a drunkard will die as the worshiper of AI-Lat and AI-'Uzza (two idols). It is said, Do you think that the drunkard is the one who drinks it constantly? He answered, "But he drinks it whenever he finds it even after years.”7

Whoever drinks wine is not considered a believer at the time of drinking. Abu Hurayrah related that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "A thief is not a believer at the time of committing a theft. A fornicator is not a believer at the time of committing fornication, and a drunkard also is not a believer at the time of drinking as long as they have the opportunity to repent” 8

"Whoever fornicates or drinks wine, Allah takes his faith from him as a man takes a shirt off over his head.”

1 Reported before.

2 Reported by Ahmad, An-Nasa'i and AI-Hakim.

3 Ibn khuzaimah and Ai-Baihaqi.

4 Reported by Ibn Hajar Ai-' Asqalani in 'AI-Matalib AI-Aliyyah' and reported by An-Nasa'i.

5 This has many references; the nearest narration to it is reported by Ibn Majah and An-Nasa'i.

6 Reported by Ibn Hajar AI-Haithami in Majma' AI-Zawa'id.

7 Ai-Harth mantioned it in AI-Matalb AI-'alih

8 Reported before.

"The scent of Paradise is smelt five hundred years away but is not sensed by whomever shows disrespect to his parents, he who reminds of his charity to them, a drunkard or an idol worshiper.” 1

Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari that the Prophet (pbuh) said,

"A drunkard, a believer in sorcery or he who severs his family ties will not enter Paradise. Whoever dies while drinking wine, Allah will make him drink from the river of Ghuta which is the water flowing from the genitals of the wenches. The odor of their genitals hurt all the people of the Hell-Fire.” 2

"Allah sent me as a mercy and guidance to the worlds. I was sent to do away with musical instruments, flutes, and the affairs of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance and idols. My Lord the Almighty swore by His Majesty that if one of my servants drinks a dosage of wine, I would make him drink the like of it in the Hell-Fire. But whoever gave up it out of fear from Me, I would give him drink from the yards of the shrine with the best fellow of drinking.” 3

As for those who are cursed because of drinking wine, Abu Dawud reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Allah has cursed wine, and whoever drinks it, pours it, buys it, presses it for another, presses it for himself, carries it or accept its delivery.” 4

Ahmad reported on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Gabriel came to me and said, "0 Muhammad, Allah has cursed wine, and whoever presses it for another, presses it for himself, drinks it, carries it, accepts its delivery, sells it buys it, pours it for another or pours it for himself".5

It is unlawful to visit a drunkard when he is ill so is greeting him.

`Abdullah Ibn 'Amr Ibn AI-As (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Do not visit the drunkard when being ill."6

AI-Bukhari and Ibn 'Umar said, "Do not greet the drunkard."

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Do not sit with the drunkard, visit their sick or attend their funerals. On the Day of Judgement the drunkard will be brought with a black face, and his tongue dangling on his chest, flowing with saliva. Whoever sees him knowing that he is a drunkard will disgust him.”7

A scholar said, they are forbidden to be visited and be greeted because the drunkards are cursed and rebellious. Allah and His Messenger cursed them as mentioned before. Allah cursed wine and he who drinks it. If they buy and press it they will be cursed twice and if they pour it for another they will be cursed three times. Therefore, it is for bidden to visit or greet them unless they repent to Allah.

1 Reported by Ibn Hajar Ai-Haithami in Majma' AI-Zawa'id.

2 Reported by Ai-Hakim and Ai-Baihaqi.

3 Reported by At- Tirmidhi who said it is a Gharib hadith.

4 Postulated by Al-Haithami in Majma' Al-Zawa'id. It is also reported by Ahmad and At-Tabarani.

5 As-Suyuti attributed it to At- Tabarani in Jami' Al-Ahadith.

6 Reported by AI-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak and attributed by Al-Suyuti to AtTabarani in Jami' Al-Ahadith

7 Reported by Ibn Al-Jawzy in the book of forged hadiths.

Whoever repents to Allah. He will accept his repentance. Wine is forbidden as a medicine. Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) related, "Once, one of my daughters was ill, so I made wine in a container for her. Then, the Prophet entered while it was boiling. He asked, "What is this, Umm Salamah?" She replied, "It is just a medicine for my daughter." The Prophet (pbuh), then, said, "Allah has not made a cure for you in what He has prohibited to you."1

Miscellaneous hadiths narrated about wine: Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "A cask of wine was brought to the Prophet (pbuh) who said, Throw it against the wall, it is the drink of those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day.”2

"Whoever memorizes a verse (Ayah) from Allah's Book and pours wine on it every letter of this Ayah will drag him from his forehead, make him stand before Allah Most Blessed and Exalted. Then, it argues with him, and whoever is argued with by the Qur'an will be treated as an opponent. Woe to whomever is argued by the Qur'an on the Day of Judgement.” 3

"If a group of people gather together to have an intoxicant in this world, Allah will gather them together in the Hell-Fire. They will turn to and blame one another by saying, 0 such and such may Allah not bless you. You brought me here." 4

"Whoever drinks wine in this world, Allah will make him drink from the poison of Asawid. One sip of this poison will make the flesh of his face fall in the goblet before he drinks it. Having drunk it, his flesh and skin will fall off, and it will bring pain to the people of the Hell-Fire. Behold, whoever drinks it, presses it for another, presses it for himself; carries it, accepts its delivery or eats its price are alike in entailing its sin. Allah does not accept their Prayer, Fasting or Pilgrimage until they repent. But if they die before doing repentance, Allah will make them drink pus of the Hell-Fire for every dosage they drank in this world. Beware, every intoxicant is wine, and every win is unlawful.” 5

The Prophet's statement "Every intoxicant is wine" included also hashish (marijuana) as will be shown later.

It is narrated that "When the drunkards are brought to the bridge on the Fire (Sirat) they will be kidnapped by the angels of punishment to the river of Khabal. There they will drink for every glass of wine they have drunk a sip from the river of Khabal. Such a sip is so hot that if poured on to heaven, it will be burnt."

1 Reported by Ibn Hajar Ai-Haith ami in Majma' Al-Zawa'id and he said that it is

reported by Abu Yal'la and Al-Bazzar. The transmitters upon whom Abu Ya'la

relied are trustworthy.

2 Reported by Ibn Majah, Abu Ya'la and A1-Bazzar.

3 Not found.

4 Not found.

5 Not found.

Some of the sayings of the early Muslims about wine: "Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Whenever a drunkard dies let him be buried crucified. Then disinter his grave to find out whether he is directed to Qiblah or not. If not, let him be crucified."

It is narrated that once Al-FudailIbn Eyad visited one of his disciples when dying. He started to

instruct the deceased the testification of Faith, 'There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." but the disciple could not repeat after him. When Al-Fudail repeated it again the disciple said, "I could never pronounce it. I am free of it." Then, Al-Fudail left weeping. Afterwards, he saw in a dream the disciple while being dragged to Fire. He asked him, "0 poor disciple, why did you turn to ignorance?"

He replied, "0 master, when I was ill, I went to a physician who advised me to drink a glass of

wine every year. It not, you would remain sick. Therefore, I used to drink it annually for treatment." If that is the abode of those who drink it for treatment. How about the others?

When a penitent was asked, Why he repented he answered, 'I was used to entering graves. Once, I saw a dead person not directed to Qiblah. I, then, asked his kinsmen about him and they said, "He used to drink wine in the world and died without doing repentance".

One of the righteous men said, "Having buried one of my kids, I saw him in a dream with a white hairy head. I asked, 0 my kid, I had buried you as a child, what happened to you?" A drunkard was buried beside me, father. Then Hell-Fire received him by just a puff. It was so violent that all children grew white hairy.

Hence, we should repent to Allah the Almighty before dying disobedient and then cast into the

Fire. We seek Allah's refuge from it.

Hashish which is made from marijuana is like wine. It is unlawful and whoever smokes it should suffer the same penalty of a drunkard. Actually it is worst than wine. As it affects one's mind and perception to the extent that he may turn into effeminate or a pimp etc. Wine is also most abominated as it often leads to disagreement and fighting and they in turn take the Muslim away of Prayer and remembrance of Allah.

Some earliest scholars held that who eats or smokes hashish should be disciplined but such disciplinary action may not reach the amount of the least prescribed legal penalty. This is because they considered it as something that befogs mind but not desired like narcotics Nevertheless, hashish is something which is desired and it is hard for the addict to renounce it. Therefore, he who eats or smoke it should be penalized like the one who drinks wine.

Because hashish is solid the scholars are not unanimous as to whether it is filthy or not. There are three points of views as shown in the Hanbali school of jurisprudence and others: It is as filthy as wine and this is the correct point of view.

It is not filthy due to its solidity. Solid hashish is pure but liquid hashish is filthy.

Once, Abu Musa asked, "0 Messenger of Allah what is the ruling of Bit' and Mizr (two intoxicants beverages made in Yemen). The former is made of honey and the lather is made of barely. He

added, the Prophet (pbuh) is so eloquent. The Prophet (pbuh) answered, “Every intoxicant that causes the negligence of Prayer is forbidden.” 1

"Of that which intoxicates in a large amount, a small amount is unlawful.” 2

In the hadith above, there is no reference to the dichotomy of intoxicants into solid or liquid.

Whatever the kind or form of an intoxicant, it is unlawful. Hashish is not mentioned by the early Muslims because it was used only after the coming of Tatars to the Islamic world. Abdul-Malik Ibn Marawan recounted a story about a young man who came to him weeping because of a sin he committed. The young man asked: Is repentance available to me? Abdul-Malik said, “What did you commit of sins? I committed a grievous sin", the man declared. Abu Malik said, "You would better repent to Allah Who accepts the repentance of His servants and forgives all sins." Then, the young man said, "O leader of the believers, I was used to robbing graves. There I have seen many wondrous scenes". He asked him: "What did you see?" He said, "One night I robbed a grave where I noticed the corpse not directed to Qiblah. I was scared and started to leave but I heard someone saying, "Would not you ask why he was turned away from Qiblah?" "Why?", I asked. He said, “Because he was not serious in Prayer.”

When I stole from another grave I noticed that the corpse was turned into a pig and his neck tied by chains. I was scared and attempted to leave, but I heard someone saying, "would not you ask about his deeds, and why he was tortured?" I asked "why?" He said, "He drank wine in the world and died without doing repentance".

In the third grave I saw that the corpse was spinned into the earth by wedges of fire and that the tongue was pierced to the back of his head. I became scared and tried to go back but someone called me by saying,’ “Would you like to know why he was tortured?” I asked. “Why”? He said, "He did not free himself of traces of urine and was a talebearer.”

In the fourth grave, I saw that the corpse blazing in fire. I was scared and attempted to leave but I was called would you like to know why he was tormented. I asked, “Why?” He replied "he neglected prayers".

Eventually, I stole from a fifth grave which was so wide as far as one's sight and shiny. The corpse was lying on a bed illuminated and well dressed. I honored him and tried to leave but someone called me saying, "would you like to know why he was honored?" "Why?" I asked . "He said, "He was a devout young man who was brought obeying and worshipping Allah." Then Abdul-Malik commented, "This is a lesson to the sinful men and a good tiding to the devout people. May Allah count you and us among the devout and obedient people and let us be protected from the wrongdoing. He is the Most Generous, the Most Bounteous".

1 Reported by Muslim.

2 Reported by At- Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawud and Ahmad.

Major Sins (20)

20) Gambling (Qimar)

Allah says, {O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, sacrificing to stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination, of Satan's handiwork: eschew such (abomination) that ye may prosperO0 Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain?} (5:90-91)

Gambling connotes backgammon, chess and speculation by nuts, balls, stones and all kinds of

betting. It ranks under encroaching upon people's rights that Allah has made forbidden in His saying, {And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people's property.} (2:188)

It was also referred to in the Prophetic saying, "Some people spend Allah's wealth (i.e. Muslim's Wealth) in an unjust manner, such people will be put in the (Hell) fire on the day of resurrection”1

"The one who invites his companions: Come let us gamble”, should (expiate his sin) by giving in charity.”2

Since the mere willingness to gamble requires expiation, what would be the sin of the real practice of gambling? The Muslim scholars have differed about the exact legal ruling on backgammon and chess in case of being played free from betting. However, the preponderant opinion is to prohibit backgammon.

They established their view on the Prophetic saying, "He who played backgammon is like one who dyed his hand with the flesh and blood of swine" 3

"He who played backgammon has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.” 4

Ibn ' Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated, "Backgammon is (a kind of) gambling, and (is sinful) as eating the pork, and playing it without betting is (as prohibited) as embrocating with the swine's fat." Regarding chess, with or without betting, it is viewed as forbidden by most jurists, for if it includes betting, there is originally no difference of opinion concerning its prohibition. But in case it is void of betting, the prohibition stands more preferable.

1 Reported by A1-Bukhari and Ahmad.

2 Reported by AI-Bukhari.

3 Reported by Muslim.

4 Reported by Ibn Majah.

However, according to a narration of Imam Shaffi'i, if it is played in privacy and does not take one's mind away from obligations or observing prayer on its due time, it is regarded allowable.

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) when asked about chess said, "Most scholars held it forbidden. In case it leads to the negligence of prayer on time or includes betting, it is strictly forbidden. Otherwise, it may be considered abominable"

The basic proof to prohibit chess by most jurists is derived from Allah's saying, {Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine... The division (of meat) by raffling with arrows.} (Al-Ma'idah: 3)

Sufyan and Waki' Ibn Al-Jarrah interpreted "The division (of meat) by raffling with arrows as to refer to chess".

`Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Chess is the gambling game of the "Ajam"- Non Arabs. He has also passed by a group of people playing chess and said to them,

"What are these idols to which you are dedicating yourselves in worship? To touch a firebrand until it gets quenched is better than touching such idols.”1

He added, "By Allah, it is not the purpose for which you have been created". On another occasion he said, "He who plays chess is a great liar. You say to your fellow player. “You are dead”, while he is not so”. Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari said, "No one plays chess except the sinful person". It was said to Yzhaq Ibn Rahwayh: "Is there something in playing chess?”2

He answered, "It is wholly sinful". When he was informed that the soldiers in camps were used to playing it as a means of training for war, he said, "It is impiety." Muhammad Ibn Kab Al-Karzi commented, "The least punishment that a chess player will suffer on the Day of Resurrection is to be gathered with the wrong- doers". Concerning chess Ibn 'Umar said, "It is more mischievous than backgammon." And a similar narration with the same effect was quoted from Imam Malik. It is mentioned that Ibn 'Abbas was appointed as the guardian of the property of an orphan. Among that property there existed a chess game.

Thereupon, Ibn Abbas set that game on fire. Hence, if it was permitted to play that game, Ibn Abbas would not have destroyed it, since it was property of an orphan.

Accordingly, the prohibition of chess is measured to that of wine. Ibrahim AI-Nakha'i said about

chess: "It is cursed". Abu Bakr AI-Athram in his collection mentioned the Prophetic saying,

"Daily Allah has three hundred and sixty looks which comprehend all his creatures except the sheep player- i.e. chess player- for he says" check-mate.”

Abu Bakr AI-Ajiri related the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saying, "If you pass by those who play with these idols i.e. backgammon and chess and other amusement -do not greet them. For when they gather and are up to their elbows in playing, Satan alone with his fellows attend their game. And if one of the players averted his glance from playing, Satan would thrust him -to turn again to playing thus, they keep playing till they disperse. They are like a group of dogs that come across a cadaver, eat of it till they are fed up and then go away.

1 Reported by Ibn Kathir

2 Reported by AI-Suyuti.

In addition, the chess player usually commits lying, as he says, "mate" Mujahid said, "Every man when he is dying views his fellowmen whom he used to accompany. One day, a man who was used to playing chess was at the point of death. When he was asked to pronounce the

Shahadah -declaration of faith- he instead said," mate" and died.

His tongue was wrenched by the words he used to say in his life. The Prophet (pbuh) said,

"Everyone dies in the same manner as he lives and is resurrected in the same manner as he dies”1

1 Reported by Muslim.

Major Sins (21)

21) Accusing A Woman of Adultery

Allah Most High says, {Those who slander chaste secured, and believing women are cursed in this life and in the hereafter: for them is a grievous chastisement. On the day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their as to their actions.} (24: 23-24)

He also says, {And those who launch a charge against chaste women and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations) -flog them with eighty stripes: and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors.} (24: 4)

Allah the Almighty in these verses makes it clear that whosoever unjustly accuses as chaste free woman of committing adultery is cursed both in this world and in the hereafter, and deserves grave chastisement.

In addition, he is flogged with eighty lashes and his witness is not accepted even though he is just.

In the Sahih Bukhari and Muslim -the Prophet says, “Avoid seven heinous sins…..”

And among which he mentioned charging believing women, unmindful though innocent, with

adultery"

An example of such an accusation is if someone says to a Muslim chaste free woman: " You

are an adulteress." or "a harlot", or "a whore" or to say to her husband, “you are the prostitute's

husband" or to call her child as " the whore's child"

The same rule is applied if someone slanders a man of committing adultery, or a free boy

with pederasty. The unjust accuser in all the above cases must suffer eighty stripes unless he

brings a testimony of four men who support his allegation. Otherwise, he must be flogged with

eighty lashes upon the request of the offended person.

The Prophet, too, forbade a man to wrongfully accuse his bondman or his slave girl of

committing adultery. A person who accuses his maid servant with adultery, will be subjected to the punishment of slandering on the Day of Judgement unless he happens to be true "A lot of ignorant people are indulged in such offenses which procure the chastisement in this world and in the hereafter.

When a person says something unknowingly right or wrong, it may lead him to fall down in hell as far away as the distance between the east and west.

Mu'az b. Jabal asked, "0 Messenger of Allah! Will we be called to account for what we say?" The Prophet (pbuh) answered “May you be lost to your mother! The people will be thrown with their face." down, into the hell only on account of the product of the tongues "i.e. their talking: " He who believes in Allah and the Day of Resurrection should speak well. Otherwise, he should keep silent.”1

Allah says, {Not a word does he utter but there is a vigilant Guardian.} (50:18)

'Uqbah Ibn ' Amir once asked the Prophet (pbuh), "What is the salvation, Allah's Apostle?" The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Control your tongue, keep inside your house, and weep (be sorry) for your sins. And the person farthest from Allah will be the one whose heart is hard” 2

"Verily Allah dislikes the indecent obscene person" 3

1 Reported by AI-Bukhari and Muslim

2 Reported by At-Tirmidhi.

3 Reported by At-Tirmidhi.

Major Sins (22)

22) Misappropriating Spoils of War, Muslim Funds or Zakat

Allah Most High says, { If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for Allah loveth not the treacherous.} (8:58)

He says too, {No Prophet could ever act dishonestly. If any person acts dishonestly he shall, on the Day of Judgement, restore what he misappropriated, then shall every soul receive its due whatever it earned.} (2:161)

Abu Hurairah heard the Prophet (pbuh) mentioning Ghulul, emphasizing its magnitude, and

declaring that it was a grave sin, saying, "Do not commit Ghalul, for I would not like to see anyone amongst you on the day of Judgement, carrying over his neck a camel that will be grunting". Such a man will say,"O Allah's Apostle! Intercede with Allah for me!" and I will say, "I cannot help you for I conveyed Allahs’ message to you. Nor would I like to see a man carrying over his neck a horse that will be neighing". Such a man will be saying,"O Allahs' Apostle! Intercede with Allah for me!" and I will reply, "I cannot help you, for I conveyed Allahs' message to you". Nor should I like to see a man carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating, or one carrying over his

neck a crying soul, or one carrying over his neck clothes which will be fluttering, or one carrying over his neck gold and silver. Such men will be saying,' 0 Allah's Apostle! Intercede with Allah for us, and I will say," I cannot help you for I conveyed Allah's message to you.”1

Whosoever takes from these kinds of the spoils before they are distributed among the fighters or

something from the Muslim's common treasury without the Imam's permission, or something from the Zakat fund which is assigned to the poor, will come on the Day of Judgement carrying it on his neck.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Render back (even) the thread and the needle, and shun Ghalul, for it puts man (who commits it) to shame on the Day of Judgement.”2

The Prophet appointed a man named "Ibn Al-Lutaibah for collecting the Zakah. When he returned he said, "This (i.e. the Zakah) is for you and this has been given to me as a present: whereupon, the Prophet ascended the pulpit and gave a sermon, saying, "By Allah, whoever takes something from the resources of the Zakat (unlawfully) will meet Allah carrying it on his neck on the Day of Resurrection.

Verily, I may know one of you who will meet Allah carrying on his neck a camel what will be grunting, or a cow that will be mooing, or a sheep that will be bleating. Then the Prophet raised his hands till we saw the whiteness of his armpits, and he said thrice "0 Allah! Have I not conveyed your message (to them)?”3

1 Reported by Muslim.

2 Reported by Abu Dawud.

3 Reported by A1-Bukhari and Muslim.

Abu Hurairah narrated, "When we conquered Khaibar, we gained neither gold nor silver as booty, but we gained goods, food and clothes. Then we departed with Allah's apostle to the valley of " Al-Qira", and at that time Allah's apostle had a slave of his called "Rifa'ah lbn Yazid who had been presented to him by a man who had leprosy. While the slave was dismounting the saddle of Allah's apostle, an arrow (its thrower was unknown) came and hit him. The people said, "Congratulations to him on his martyrdom". Allah's apostle said," No, by him in whose hand is my soul, he had a sheet (of cloth) which he had taken (illegally) on the day of Khaibar from the booty before its distribution and has become a flame of fire burning him.” On hearing that, a man brought one or two leather straps of shoes to the Prophet (pbuh) and said, "These are the things I took (illegally)”

“This is a strap, or these are two straps, of fire", the Prophet (pbuh) said.” 1

`Abdullah Ibn ' Amr related, "There was a man who looked after the family and the belongings of the Prophet was called "Karkarah." The man died and Allah's apostle said," He is in the Hell fire. The people then went to look at him and found in his place a cloak he has stolen from the war booty.”2

Zaid Ibn Khalid AI-Juhani narrated, "A man has stolen something from the booty of Khaibar. As a result, the Prophet refused to observe the funeral prayer for him and said to his companions "Observe prayer for your fellowman, (and I would never observe it for him because he has stolen (from the booty obtained from war) in the way of Allah".

Zaid added, "We, then, searched that man, luggage and found therein some of the Jews pear's which were worth two drachmas.” 3

Imam Ahmad related, "Allah's apostle avoided prayer for none but the one who had stolen from the war booty and the one who had committed suicide. The Prophet said, "The gifts presented to official employees are a sort of Ghulul." And there are numerous Prophetic traditions related to this point, and some of them are mentioned in the chapter of "Injustice"4

Injustice, generally speaking, may be classified into three categories:

a) To violently spoil one's property.

b) To act tyrannically by unjustly killing, beating or wounding people.

c) To aggressively insult, curse, slander and ill-treat people.

The Prophet (pbuh), while being at "Mina" gave a sermon that ended:

"0 People! Your belongings, and your honor are sacred to each other as sacred as this day, this month, and this city.” and: prayer is invalid without ablution, and charity is unlawful from Ghalul.” 5

1 Reported by Al-Bukhari.

2 Reported by A1-Bukhari.

3 Reported by Abu Dawud.

4 Musnad of Imam Ahmad.

5 Reported by AI-Bukhari.

Major Sins (23)

23) Theft

Allah says, {As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hand: retribution for their deed and exemplary punishment from Allah, and Allah is exalted in power, full of Wisdom.} (5:38)

Ibn Shihab commented, 'I Allah severely punished whosoever steals people's property by cutting off his / her hand. And He is Almighty in retribution and full of wisdom in dispensing the penalty he has prescribed for thieves.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "When an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it, and when somebody drinks an alcoholic drink, then he is not a believer at the time of drinking it, and when a thief steals, he is not a believer at the time he is stealing. The door of repentance is usually open ".

Ibn 'Umar narrated, I' Allah's apostle cut off the hand of a thief for stealing a shield that was worth three dirhams.”1

'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, "The hand should be cut off for stealing something that is worth a quarter of a dinar or more.”2

The Prophet said, "The hand of a thief was not cut off except for stealing something equal to a shield in value.” It was said, “`Aishah: How much is shield worth?' She answered: "A quarter of a Dinar.”3

According toariothernarration the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Cut off (hands and feet) for stealing what is worth a quarter of a Dinar, but not less".

A quarter of a dinar, by then, was worth three "Dirhams."

Abu Hurairah narrated the Prophet as saying, "Allah curses the thief who steals a "Baidhah" (or a helmet) for which his hand is to be cut off, or steals a rope for which his hand is to be cut off.”4

Ai-' Amash commented, "People used to interpret "Baidhah" as an iron helmet, and they used to think that the rope may cost a few dirhams.

`Aishah quoted, "A woman from Banu Makhzum used to borrow things and never give them back. Consequently, the Prophet passed an order to get her hand cut off.”1

1 Reported by A1-Bukhari and Muslim.

2 Reported by Al-Bukharl and Muslim

3 Reported by Al-Bukhari.

4 Reported by Al-Bukhari.

"The woman's people ~ame to Usama Ibn Zaid to intercede with the Prophet that he may pardon her. When Usamah spoke to Allah's apostle about that matter, Allah's apostle said, "Do you intercede (with me) to violate one of the legal penalties of Allah?" Then he got up and addressed the people, saying, "0 people! The nations before you went astray because if a noble person committed theft, they used to leave him, but if a weak person among them committed theft; they used to inflict the legal penalties on him. By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad committed theft, Muhammad would have cut off her hand!” 2

Abdul-Rahman Ibn Muhayriz asked Fudhalah Ibn Ubaid whether hanging the thiefs amputated hand to his neck is of the tradition of the Prophet (pbuh). He said. "A thief was summoned before the Prophet who gave an order to cut off his hand and tie it to his neck.”3

The Muslim Jurists viewed that a thiefs’ repentance is not valid unless he gives back what he has

robbed. In case he is bankrupt, he should ask the real owner of the stolen thing to pardon him.

1 Reported by Al-Bukhari.

2 Reported by A1-Bukhari.

3 Reported by At- Tirmidhi.

Major Sins (24)

24) Highwaymen Who Menace the Road

Allah says, {The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and his Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hand and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land that is chief disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the hereafter.} (AI-Ma'idah: 33)

AI- W ahidi comments, "To wage war against Allah and his Messenger means to disobey them." To strive for mischief through the land" refers to killing people, robbing them, and violently consuming their property. Hence, to take arms against a Muslim stands for fighting with Allah and his Messenger. Such an opinion was held by Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'i, and AI-Awza'i.

As to Allah's saying, "Execution............... Or exile from the land", AI-Wahidi said from Ibn 'Abbas that "or" in this verse is used for giving the choice and permissibility. Hence, the Imam- the Muslim leader has the full option to enforce killing, or crucifixion or banishment. AI-Hasan, Sa'id fun AIMusayyab, and Mujahid supported this view.

According to another narration through' Atiyyah, AI- W alibi said, "or" in the verse is not for

permissibility, but it rather signifies the order of the legal rule "Hukm" in regard to the variant crimes. In other words, those who murder and plunder property must be killed and crucified. Those who only rob property, their hands and feet must be cut off and those who violently shed blood but do not rob property must be put to death. Finally, those who scare people in their ways but do not commit murder must be exiled from the land. Imam Shafi'i is quoted to hare the some previous view. He is mentioned as saying,” Each criminal is judged according to his/her offense. So, in case of killing and crucifixion, the evildoer should first be put to death lest he is painfully tortured. Then, he is crucified for three consecutive days and then let down. In case of killing only, the criminal is executed and his corpse is to be handed to his kinsmen to be buried.

If the sentence of cutting off of hands or feet, the right hand is first to be lopped off and cauterized. If he returned to theft, his left leg should be severed. In the third time, his left hand should be amputated.

Concerning the cutting off of thieves' hands and feet the Prophet (pbuh) said, "If someone committed theft cut off his hand, if he stole a second, cut off his leg, if he stole once again, cut off his (other) hand if he insisted on stealing, cut off his (other) leg.” 1

Abu Bakr and 'Vmar (May Allah be pleased with them all) were unanimously used to inflict such a legal rule upon thieves. Allah's saying "From opposite sides" illustrated the contrasting order in cutting off of a hand at then a leg.

1 Reported by Abu Dawud.

Ibn 'Abbas in his exegesis of Allah's saying {Or exile from the land } made open that if the thief is out of control, the Imam should pass a command to shed his blood in vain. But if he is under arrest, exile connotes imprisonment that restricts and hinders his freedom.

Major Sins (25)

25) The Engulfing Oath

Allah says, {as for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own solemn plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the here after! Nor will Allah (Design to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgement, nor will he clean them (of sin): they shall have a grievous chastisement.} (3: 77)

Al-Wahidi related, "The occasion of revelation of this verse was regarding two disputants who sought the Prophet to decide their case about a landed estate. At the time the defendant had been on the point of taking an oath1, Allah revealed this verse. At once, he turned away from swearing and admitted the claimant's right to the estate.

"Whosoever is ordered (by the ruler or the judge) to give an oath, and he takes a false oath in order to grab the property of a Muslim, he will incur Allah's Wrath when he meets Him on the Day of Resurrection.”

Al-Ash 'ath said, "By Allah, this verse was revealed in my connection. A dispute broke out between me and a Jew who had denied my right to the ownership of a piece of land. I reported him to Allah's apostle who said to me: "Have you got an evidence (i.e. witness)? I replied, "No" He said to the Jewish man" swear in!" At this moment, I said, "0 Allah's Apostle! He, my opponent, will take the oath and consequently consume my property". For this Allah revealed, ''as for those who sell the faith…” 2

`Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud narrated the Prophet (pbuh) as saying, "A person who swears falsely to take possession of Muslim's property unjustly, shall face the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgement". 'Abdullah added, 'the Prophet recited the following verse from the holy Qur'an in support of this statement.

{As for those who sell the faith ..........}

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "A person who usurps the right of a Muslim, by swearing (falsely) will be condemned by Allah the Exalted to the hell and will be derived of Paradise. A man asked, "0 Messenger of Allah! Even if it may be a small thing?" he the Prophet -answered, "Even if it be the (smallest) twig of a bush- tree.”3

Abu Dhar narrated the Prophet (pbuh) say, "There are three people whom Allah will not talk to on the Day of Judgement, look at, or exonerate, and there is a painful chastisement for them ". They failed and they lost who are these persons, Allah's apostle?

1 AI-Ghamus oath is the false oath taken by somebody intentionally to mislead and cheat people. So, it dips him into the Fire.

Translator.

2 Reported by AI-Bukhari and Muslim.

3 Reported by Muslim.

Upon this the Prophet (pbuh) remarked, "They are the draggers of lower garment, those who remind others of their favors, and the seller of goods by false oath.” 1

The Prophet (pbuh) also said, "The biggest sins are: to join others in worship with Allah, to be undutiful to one's parents, to kill somebody unlawfully, and to take (a false) oath- “AI-Ghamus”2

Of the forbidden oaths is swearing by other than Allah, such as: the Prophet, the Ka'bah, the angels, heaven, water, life, honesty, souls, the sultan's life, or his favor, or by someone's grave.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Lo! Allah forbids you to swear by your fathers, so whosoever has to take an oath, he should swear by Allah or keep silent.”3

He said too, "Do not swear by idols, nor by your fathers.”4

"Whosoever swears by his honour is not from amongst us.” 5

"Whosoever takes an oath that if he does such and such act, or he is wrong, he may go out of Islam, then if he should turn out to be a liar he will be as he said (swore) and if he is proved to have spoken the truth then he will not come back to Islam without a stigma.” 6

Ibn 'Umar heard a man swearing by K'abah. Thereupon he said to that man, "Do not swear by other than Allah for I have received the Prophet's words which concluded, "Whosoever swears by other than Allah has indeed disbelieved in Allah and ascribed partners to Him.”7

By "disbelieved and ascribed partners to Him." some interpreters assimilate it as referring to the misdeed of the sin.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Hypocrisy stands for polytheism.”8

He also said, "A person who takes an oath and swears (by error):" By Lat and "Uzzah", should at once affirm:" there is no god save Allah.”9

Among the newly guided companions of the Prophet (pbuh) were some who spontaneously happened to use Al-Lat and A1- Uzzah as oaths. To them the Prophet gave a commandment to declare: " There is no god but Allah", as an expiation for what they have said.

1 Reported by Muslim.

2 Reported by AI-Bukhari

3 Reported by AI-Bukhari.

4 Reported by Muslim

5 Reported by Abu Dawud.

6 Reported by Ibn Majah.

7 Reported by At- Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud.

8 Reported by As-Sakhawi in AI-Maqasid AI-Hasanah

9 Reported by AI-Bukhari and Muslim.