Aqeedah & Theology

What is the difference between major and minor sins in Islam?

A major sin (kabira) is one for which Allah has prescribed a worldly punishment (hadd), threatened the fire of hell, or cursed the perpetrator. The list is not as long as some scholars have made it — it includes murder, theft (with break-in), false accusation of zina, highway robbery, charging riba, eating orphans' property, and a limited number of others. The distinction matters spiritually: major sins require specific tawbah; minor sins are forgiven by living a generally righteous lifestyle (prayers, fasting, istighfar). No major sin is unforgivable with sincere repentance. Arrogance in committing a minor sin can make it worse than a major sin committed with remorse.