By Imam Adh-Dhahabi, Translated by Mahmoud Ibrahim, Dar Al Kitab Al-Ilmiyah (DKI), Hardcover, 255 pages

The major sins are those acts which have been forbidden by Allah in the Quran and by His Messenger SAW in the Sunnah (the practice and sayings of the Prophet PBUH), and which have been made clear by the actions of the first righteous generation of Muslims, the Companions of the Prophet SAW.

There is some difference of opinion among scholars in this regard. Some say these major sins are seven, and in support of their position, they quote the tradition: 'Avoid the seven noxious things'- and after having said this, the prophet SAW mentioned them: 'associating anything with Allah; magic; killing one whom Allah has declared inviolate without a just case, consuming the property of an orphan, devouring usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet.' - Bukhari and Muslim.