Other Sins

Q. What are the other sinful things besides shirk, kufr, and bid’ah?

There are many sins besides kufr, shirk, and bid’ah. Examples include: telling lies, missing prayers, not fasting, not giving Zakaat, skipping Hajj while able, drinking wine, stealing, slander, backbiting, false witness, deceiving, disobeying parents or teachers, keeping pictures at home, betrayal, pride, gambling, abusing, watching dances, taking or giving interest, shaving the beard, wearing pants below ankles, extravagance, going to dramas and plays— all are sinful acts.

Q. Does a Muslim who commits sins remain a Muslim?

A person who commits kufr or shirk does not remain a Muslim. A person committing bid’ah remains Muslim but with weak faith (Bid’ati). A person committing major sins is still Muslim but with incomplete faith (Faasiq).

Q. If someone commits a sin, how can he save himself from punishment?

By doing **Tawbah (repentance)** sincerely, asking Allah for forgiveness, and promising not to repeat the sin. Tawbah must be done with heart and action.

Q. Does repentance bring pardon for all sins?

Yes — if the sin is only between the person and Allah. But sins that harm other people are not forgiven until:
• Their rights are returned
• Their forgiveness is asked

Q. When is forgiveness not granted?

When a person is dying and sees the angels of punishment, repentance at that moment is not accepted.

Q. If a sinful person dies without tawbah, will he go to Paradise?

Anyone except a kaafir or mushrik will eventually enter Paradise. Allah may punish or forgive. If the person violated someone's rights, his good deeds will be given to the wronged person.

Q. How can relatives or friends do good for the dead?

By doing good deeds like reading Qur’an, giving charity, feeding the poor — and gifting the reward to the deceased. No fixed day, no fixed event is needed. Showing-off gatherings are not allowed.