Islam provides guidance on living an ethical life through the concept of haram, which refers to acts that are forbidden or prohibited according to Islamic law. There are many types of haram, ranging from minor issues to major sins. When examining what would constitute the biggest haram, it is important to consider the severity of sin, potential for harm, and Quranic emphasis on avoiding the act.
Shirk (Idolatry)
One of the greatest haram in Islam is shirk, which refers to the sin of idolatry or polytheism. This involves ascribing partners to Allah or worshipping idols, statues, celestial bodies, or anything else besides the one true God. Shirk is considered the gravest sin in Islam.
Evidence for the prohibition of shirk comes directly from the Quran, which states:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.” (Quran 4:48)
Shirk violates the fundamental Islamic belief in tawhid, or the absolute oneness and unity of God. By worshipping anything else, a Muslim is diminishing the sovereignty of God and committing an unforgivable offense against Him.
Why Shirk is Considered the Biggest Haram
- It is the one sin Allah will not forgive if maintained until death
- It contradicts the core belief in the oneness of Allah (tawhid)
- It diverts worship from the Creator to the created
- It associates partners with Allah, the sole divine being worthy of worship
For these reasons, shirk is certainly considered the biggest and most severe haram in Islam.
Murder
Murder is also considered one of the worst sins in Islam. The Quran equates the killing of one person with killing all of humanity:
“Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind” (Quran 5:32).
Murder is an extremely grave offense, violating the sanctity of human life which is sacred in Islam. The Quran emphasizes the severity of murder:
“And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein; and the Wrath and the Curse of Allah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him” (Quran 4:93).
Why Murder is a Major Haram
- It takes an innocent human life and divine gift from Allah
- It is a violation of the victim’s rights and dignity
- It spreads evil and disorder in society
- It warrants severe punishment in the hereafter
Along with the major sins of shirk and murder, there are several other significant haram acts in Islam.
Zina (Unlawful Sexual Relations)
Zina refers to illegal sexual relations between two individuals. It includes both fornication (consensual sexual relations outside marriage) and adultery (at least one participant is married). Zina is emphatically prohibited in the Quran:
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way” (Quran 17:32).
Sexual relations are only permitted within the bounds of marriage. Violating these limitations through zina is a major sin.
Why Zina is a Major Haram
- It violates the sanctity of marriage and commitment to one’s spouse
- It spreads sexual immorality in society
- It jeopardizes lineage and family units when unmarried couples have children
- It is an affront to human dignity and chastity
Riba (Usury, Interest)
Riba refers to excess or interest charged on a loan. It is condemned extensively in Islamic scriptures:
“O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful” (Quran 3:130).
Most Islamic scholars consider riba to be any kind of interest on a loan. Riba violates principles of fairness and equity and can enable exploitation when one party profits excessively from a financial transaction.
Why Riba is a Major Haram
- It promotes greed and unjust acquisition of wealth
- It enables one party to profit without working for it
- It propagates exploitation of those in financial need
- It contradicts fairness, charity, and ethics in finance
Gambling (Maysir)
Maysir refers to gambling and games of chance. This includes activities where participants risk money or valuables hoping to profit but face risk of loss. The Quran prohibits this practice:
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (Quran 5:90).
Gambling is considered haram because it can promote addiction and lead to financial ruin for participants. It also neglects the value of honest work.
Why Gambling is a Major Haram
- It can financially devastate those afflicted with gambling addictions
- Winnings come from losses rather than honest effort and work
- It propagates false hope and risk-taking rather than earning through skill
- It causes neglect of family, spiritual, and social responsibilities
Drinking Alcohol (Khamr)
Khamr, or intoxicants such as alcohol, are strictly forbidden in Islam. The Quran outlines the prohibition:
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful” (Quran 5:90).
Alcohol and intoxicants cloud the mind, negatively impact health, and can lead to dangerous behavior. For this reason, it is considered a destructive haram.
Why Alcohol is a Major Haram
- It impairs mental faculties and judgment
- It can lead to destructive behavior and break down of inhibitions
- It causes health risks including addiction and organ damage
- It distracts from mindfulness of Allah and spiritual obligations
Ghiba (Backbiting)
Ghiba means backbiting or speaking ill of someone in their absence. The Quran emphasizes avoiding such negativity:
“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other” (Quran 49:12).
Backbiting harms relationships, spreads mistrust, and fosters conflict. Therefore, it is very counter to Islamic principles.
Why Backbiting is a Major Haram
- It sows conflict and distrust between people
- It can hurt reputations and damage dignity
- It often involves dishonesty and exaggeration
- It diverts conversations to negativity rather than good
Severing Ties of Kinship (Qata’ ar-Rahm)
Maintaining family ties is essential in Islam. The Quran encourages upholding these bonds:
“Would you then, if you were given the authority, cause corruption in the land and sever your [ties of] relationship? Such are the ones that Allah has cursed” (Quran 47:22-23).
Breaking relations with family members, especially parents, is very serious. It undermines the unity of the family and social fabric.
Why Severing Kinship Ties is a Major Haram
- It goes against values of mercy, unity, and duty to kin
- It causes pain and distress for family members
- It weakens family structures and community bonds
- It contradicts Quranic guidance to uphold ties of kinship
Suicide
Suicide is clearly prohibited in Islam. Life is regarded as a sacred gift from Allah that cannot be taken:
“And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful” (Quran 4:29).
Suicide is considered a major haram because it wastes the gift of life and rejects the mercy of the Creator.
Why Suicide is a Major Haram
- It ends life which is entrusted by Allah
- It causes great grief and harm for loved ones
- It wastes one’s abilities to contribute to family and society
- It implies despair of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness
Conclusion
In summary, the biggest haram in Islam relates to acts most emphatically prohibited in the Quran and causing greatest harm to the self and society. The severest sin is shirk, the violation of Allah’s unity through idolatry. Other major haram include murder, fornication, usury, gambling, alcohol, backbiting, severing family ties, and suicide. Islam seeks to nurture individual and collective well-being through avoiding these destructive acts.