Answer
Peace be upon you dear reader,
Thank you so much for us this very important question because it can serve as a reminder for us and all the readers about this topic, Insha’Allah.
Now, we know from the Sahih hadith (authentic narration) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
‘Avoid the seven destructive sins.’ It was asked [by those present]: ‘What are they, O Messenger of Allah?’ He replied, ‘Associating anyone or anything with Allah in worship; practicing sorcery, killing of someone without a just cause whom Allah has forbidden, devouring the property of an orphan, eating of usury, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers.’ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) [emphasis added]
So, as the hadith clearly states, the 7 destructive sins are:
- Shirk (associating anyone or anything in worship with the One and Only Deity)
- Sehr (practicing magic/sorcery)
- Killing someone unjustly
- Devouring the property of an orphan
- Consuming usury
- Fleeing from the battlefield
- Slandering chaste women who are unaware
Avoiding them is a great act that every believer should commit to. To achieve this, we need to study carefully each of these sins to see if one might be doing them unknowingly and try to take all means to avoid them accordingly.
It is important to buy books/listen to lectures/organize halaqas (religious classes) and attend halaqas that explain these sins and give instructions for people on how to avoid them. This day and age, it seems usury in particular is something that many people are falling into as their bank dealings include usury without them knowing.
So, they need to get scholarly opinion on the steps needed to purify themselves from this usury- as well as all other sins, of course.
So, it is advisable to read in depth and listen to lectures on each of those destructive sins. Share that with others to educate and remind family and friends, and insha’Allah, receive the glad tidings when you do everything possible to refrain from them.
Suhaib narrated that he heard Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’eed say:
The Messenger of Allah addressed us one day and said: ‘By the One in Whose hand is my soul’ three times then he lowered his head, and each of us lowered his head, weeping, and we did not know what he had sworn that oath about. Then he raised his head with joy on his face, and that was dearer to us than red camels. Then he said: ‘There is no one who offers the five (daily) prayers, fasts Ramadan, pays zakah and avoid the seven major sins, but the gates of Paradise will be opened to him, and it will be said to him: Enter in peace.’ (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
I hope this helps. Please keep in touch.
Salam.
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
http://aboutislam.net/shariah/refine-your-heart/advice/extinguish-your-sins/