Islamic views on sin

In Islam, sin (dhanb) is an action violating the laws of God (sharīʿah) and an important subject in Islamic ethics.

The Quran describes sins throughout the texts. Some sins are more grievious than others. Therefore, Muslim scholars (ʿulamāʾ) – theologians and jurists – distinguish between lesser sins (al-Sagha'ir) and greater sins (al-kabīrah). The latter refers to unequivocal actions against God's law, and for which punishment is ordained. Sources differ which sin belongs to which category.

A number of different words for sin are used in the Islamic tradition.

According to A. J. Wensinck's entry on the topic in the Encyclopedia of Islam, Islamic terms for sin include dhanb and khaṭīʾa, which are synonymous and refer to intentional sins; khiṭʾ, which means simply a sin; and ithm, which is used for grave sins.

According to Cyril Glasse, Islam recognizes two kinds of sin (khati'ah): dhanb, a fault or shortcoming which is to be sanctioned; and ithm, a willful transgression which is to be punished.

Several different words are used in the Quran to describe sin—1) Dhanb 2) Ithm 3) Khati'ah 4) Jurm 5) Junah/Haraj. By examining the choice of words in Quranic verses used in connection with these terms, scholars have attempted to determine which sins are associated with which terms.

Dhanb (plural dhunub) is frequently applied to heinous sins committed against God. One of the main examples of Dhanb in the Quran is of "crying lies of Allah's signs", or having excessive pride that prevents an individual from believing the signs of God.

For in Allah's sight are (all) his servants, (namely), those who say: 'Our Lord, we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins ("dhunub"), and save us from the agony of the Fire.'