Wrongdoing is of two kinds: a wrong that infringes upon the right of Allah, and a wrong that infringes upon the rights of people. The gravest of all wrongdoing is that which pertains to Allah’s right—namely, associating partners with Him. The Prophet ﷺ was asked, “Which sin is the greatest?” and he replied, “That you set up a rival to Allah while He created you.” Next in severity is wrongdoing that involves the major sins, followed by wrongdoing in the minor sins.
With respect to the servants of Allah, wrongdoing centers on three matters. The Prophet ﷺ clarified them in his Farewell Sermon, saying, “Your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable to one another, just as the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours.”
- Wrongdoing against the person refers to bloodshed: assaulting another, spilling blood, inflicting wounds, and the like.
- Wrongdoing against property occurs when someone transgresses against another’s wealth—by withholding what is due, committing a forbidden act, refusing an obligation he owes, or doing anything unlawful with another’s property.
- Wrongdoing against honor encompasses violating others through adultery, sodomy, slander, and similar offenses.
Every form of wrongdoing is forbidden, and the wrongdoer will find no one to come to his aid. Allah the Exalted says, “The wrongdoers will have no devoted friend, nor any intercessor whose plea will be accepted” (40:18)—meaning that on the Day of Resurrection the wrongdoer will find neither a close companion to save him from Allah’s punishment nor an intercessor to plead on his behalf.