ISLAM is the religion that takes sins very seriously and does not spare a sinner from the punishment (if a sinner does not repent to Allah (SWT) and ask for his mercy). There ar no humanbeings on earth who had not done any sins. Well, Islam has a solution for that too. Let’s see how to erase Major Or Minor sins in Islam.
The definition of sins is many. However, the easiest definition of sin is simply an act done by the person which violates the law made by ALLAH (SWT).
Islam labels sin in two categories:
- MINOR SINS (GUNAH SAGHIRA)
The minor sins are the small sins that ALLAH (SWT) will forgive easily. The ibadah (acts of worship) done by an individual plays an important role for the sins to be forgiven by ALLAH (SWT).
However, if the small sins are repeated continuously, then soon the chances are that the minor sin (Gunah Saghira) will be converted into a major sin (Gunah Kabira).
2. MAJOR SINS (GUNAH KABIRA)
MAJOR SINS (GUNAH KABIRA) are the major sins that ALLAH (SWT) hates the most. These sins are the heinous ones in the eyes of ALLAH (SWT).
Major Sins (Gunah Kabira) may involve:
- Shirk (worshipping other than ALLAH)
- Killing someone unjustly.
- Taking or giving usuary (Riba)
- Sorcery (use of magic, especially black magic) and the list goes on.
Major Sins (Gunah Kabira) are very different from Minor Sins (Gunah Saghira). These sins are not forgiven by ALLAH (SWT) unless a Muslim repents to ALLAH (SWT).
How To Erase Major Sins In Islam
English Translation (Saheeh International):
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
From the above verses of the Qur’an, ALLAH (SWT.) is the Most Merciful. If a Muslim repents to ALLAH (SWT) for his sins (Major, Minor, Or both) then ALLAH (SWT) is all-forgiving.
Thus, the only way with which the Major Sins (Gunah Kabirah) could be erased is through continuous repentance and asking for ALLAH’S mercy.
Any Muslim who has committed Major Sin (Gunah Kabirah) must immediately ask for repentance and prostate to ALLAH(SWT). Ask for his mercy during the 5 times prayers. Also should promise ALLAH (SWT) that you will stay away from the sins that he/she is guilty of.
Since ALLAH (SWT) is all-forgiving and Most Merciful, he will accept the repentance of a believer.
Another way to erase major sins is by not committing the minor sins continuously. If minor sins are committed on a continuous basis, then the person becomes habitual of committing the same sin regularly. And a day comes when a person does not feel any discomfort in committing Major sins.
Thus, once the individual eliminates minor sins from his life, the chance of one committing major sins (Gunah Kabira) automatically gets reduced. This erases the chance of major sins that could be committed by the person.
Thus, eliminating Minor sins (Gunah Saghira) from life, and apologizing, and seeking repentance from ALLAH (SWT) will erase our major sins and raise our spiritual ranks.
Repenting From Major Sins
If a person commits something that is considered a Major Or heinous sin by ALLAH (SWT), and the person is feeling guilty in his heart for committing that major sin. Then the doors of Mercy are not closed by ALLAH (SWT) to that person.
ALLAH (SWT) is Merciful and he knows the sinful nature of a Human being. Thus, any person who sinned must not feel ashamed to ask for ALLAH’S mercy for the sin he has committed. Seek repentance from him no matter how many times you have committed the sins.
After seeking repentance and doing “Tauba”, the person must stay away from the major sins throughout all his/her life by promising to ALLAH (SWT).
Hadith About Repentance From Sins
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“If you were to commit sin until your sins reach the heaven, then you were to repent, your repentance would be accepted.” Source: Sunan Ibn Majah (4248)
‘Abdallah b. Mas’ud reported God’s messenger as saying, “He who repents of a sin is like him who has committed no sin.”
In Majah and Baihaqi, in Shu’ab al-iman, transmitted it, the latter saying its only transmitter was an-Nahrani who is unknown. In Sharh as-sunna a tradition traced no farther back than him is transmitted in which he said, “Nadam is repentance, and he who repents is like him who has committed no sin.” Source: Mishkat al-Masabih (2363)
After all, Paradise is for a believer. And a believer is the one who asks for ALLAH’S Forgiveness and Mercy, offers prayer, and repent on a continuous basis to Him.