In the Name of Allāh.
Sin is fundamentally destructive, and therefore, we should abstain from it. Shaykh Ibn Bāz (Raḥimahullāh) notably stated, “An evil deed committed in Ramaḍān is a greater sin than an evil deed committed outside it.” [Majmū’ al-Fatāwā 15\446]
Nevertheless, there are seven significant and particularly harmful sins that we must be especially cautious about committing. While these are not the only major sins, they are so serious that the Prophet (ﷺ) was reported by Abū Hurayrah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) to have sternly warned against them.
These include: associating partners in worship with Allāh, practicing sorcery or magic, unjustly taking a life that Allāh has prohibited, consuming usury (Ribā), taking the property of an orphan, fleeing from the battlefield during combat, and wrongfully accusing chaste Muslim women of Zinā’. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6857, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 89]
Thanks to Allāh, we are currently in a month that facilitates the avoidance of sins, especially since the Shayāṭīn (devils) are restrained. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When Ramaḍān starts, the doors of heavens are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1899] In another narration, it’s stated, “The doors of Paradise are opened.”
Shaykh Ṣāliḥ al-Fawzān (Hafiẓahullāh) mentioned, “The doors of the Jannah are opened in Ramaḍān because of the abundance of righteous deeds that are legislated in it, which are the means to enter Jannah. And the doors of the Hellfire are closed in this month because of the few transgressions committed, which are the means of entering it.” [Itḥāf Ahli Al-Īmān Bi Durūs Shahr Ramaḍān, pg. 136]
Dear brethren, Ramaḍān is a time for special forgiveness. Therefore, let us make a sincere effort to repent and strive to avoid sins as much as we can. Let us respond to the call of our Lord, the Most High, and purify our souls in the light of His Mercy. It is through repentance and righteousness that we pave the way for our salvation, and only through His Forgiveness can we attain peace.
I beseech Allāh to grant us understanding, strengthen our commitment to the truth, and protect us from sins that lead to destruction. Aameen.
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