Sources differ on the exact meanings of the different terms for sin used in the Islamic tradition. A clear distinction is made between major sins ( al-Kabirah) and minor sins ( al-Sagha'ir) ( Q53:31–32), indicating that if an individual stays away from the major sins then they will be forgiven of the minor sins. The Quran describes these sins throughout the texts and demonstrates that some sins are more punishable than others in the hereafter. It is believed that God weighs an individual's good deeds against their sins on the Day of Judgement and punishes those individuals whose evil deeds outweigh their good deeds. Islam teaches that sin is an act and not a state of being. Sin is an important concept in Islamic ethics that Muslims view as being anything that goes against the commands of God or breaching the laws and norms laid down by religion. ( May 2012) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)
This article uses texts from within a religion or faith system without referring to secondary sources that critically analyze them.
