Library Ethics Greater Sins Chapter 42 Persistence in Minor Sins The Fortieth Greater Sin: Persistence in Minor Sins
The Fortieth Greater Sin: Persistence in Minor Sins
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Chapter 42
The Fortieth Greater Sin: Persistence in Minor Sins
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The fortieth Greater Sin according to Qur’an and the traditions of Ma’sÅ«mÄ«n (a.s.) is committing a lesser (minor) sin repeatedly. Amash relates from Imam Sadiq (a.s.): “And consistency upon the smaller sins” is a greater sin. In the same way SadÅ«q has narrated that Imam RiÄa (a.s.) considered, “And consistency on sins” a part of greater sin. Similarly we have a tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s.),
“A smaller sin which is committed again and again is a greater one. And a greater sin for which one repents doesn’t remain greater.”
(al-KÄfi Vol. 4 page 288)
That is, if one commits a Greater sin and repents sincerely there is no punishment for it. But if one does a smaller sin again and again, it assumes the form of greater sin.
Abu BasÄ«r says that I heard Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) saying:
“By Allah! As far as a person continues to sin, Allah does not accept any of his worship acts.”
(al-KÄfi Vol. 2 page 288)
“If you shun the great sins which you are forbidden, We will do away with your small sins and cause you to enter an honourable place of entering.”
(Surah an-NisÄ’ 4: 31)
This ayat is speaking about those minor sins, which are forgiven in lieu of avoiding greater sins and performing all Wajib duties. These minor sins can therefore become a barrier in the acceptance of worship and supplication, only when they are repeated often as a result of which they assume the magnitude of a greater sin; the consequence of which is that the other acts of worship are not accepted. There is a tradition from the Messenger of Allah (S) in al-KÄfi that says:
“One of the signs of wretchedness is repeating a sin.”
