The Beginning of the End: Understanding the Danger of Neglecting Small Sins

Introduction

On the 11^th of Dhul-Qa‘dah, we commemorate the blessed birth of Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha (peace be upon him), the 8^th Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt. His life and teachings offer Muslims guidance in both the outer practices of faith and the inner dimensions of spirituality. In this week’s issue of Friday Bulletin, we reflect on one of his profound sayings, which speaks to the dangers of underestimating seemingly minor sins and the importance of maintaining spiritual vigilance.

This teaching resonates deeply with contemporary challenges. In a world where sins can easily be normalised or justified – especially those considered “minor” – this hadith serves as a powerful reminder that true God-consciousness (taqwa) demands sensitivity to every action, regardless of how trivial it may appear.

«الصَّغائرُ مِنَ الذنوبِ طُرُقٌ إلى الکبائرِ، ومَن لَم یخَفِ اللّهَ فِی القَلیلِ لَم یخَفهُ فِی الکثیرِ»

“Minor sins are pathways to major sins. Whoever does not fear Allah in small matters will not fear Him in greater ones.” (Al-Kāfī, vol. 5, p. 78)

This Hadith has several meaningful educational messages for the different groups in the Muslim communities. Some of these messages are outlined here.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Teenagers and Youth

1. Never underestimate any sin – even small ones

A sin we consider “small” may be much more serious in the eyes of Allah. The hadith reminds us that what begins as neglect of “small wrongs” can lead us into a habit of disobedience. True faith means remaining alert even to seemingly minor faults.

Practical Challenge: This week, notice a habit you’ve been ignoring (like backbiting, white lies, or wasting time) and commit to stopping it completely.

2. Do not follow bad trends just because others do

The normalisation of wrong actions among peers doesn’t make them less wrong. When we justify small wrongs, we become desensitised and open the door to more serious mistakes.

Practical Challenge: If you notice a harmful trend among your friends, try to respectfully stand apart from it and reflect on why it’s important to keep your spiritual integrity.

3. Keep the fear of consequences alive in your heart

Fear of Allah’s displeasure and the consequences of our deeds isn’t about fear alone, it’s about remaining conscious and aware. It’s a protective feeling that helps prevent spiritual decline.

Practical Challenge: At the end of each day, reflect for five minutes on one action you’re proud of and one you regret. Ask yourself honestly: “Would this action bring me closer to or further from God?”

4. Build your inner strength to say “no” to temptation

Strength isn’t always about physical power, it’s often about resisting desires or peer pressure. Viewing small sins as harmful helps build this inner resolve.

Practical Challenge: Choose one temptation you often face (e.g., procrastination, gossip, inappropriate content) and create a clear plan to avoid it this week.

5. Be mindful of your actions on social media — even a single click matters

In the age of digital influence, forwarding a rumour or liking harmful content may seem trivial, but social media activity is not exempt from moral responsibility. Every “like”, “share”, or comment can contribute to spreading harm or misinformation. Islam teaches that we are accountable for even our smallest actions.

Practical Challenge: Before forwarding or liking any post, especially controversial or negative content, pause and ask: Is this truthful, respectful, and beneficial? Is it supported by strong evidence? Make it a habit this week to verify information before engaging with it and delete or report anything harmful you’ve previously shared.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Parents

1. Teach children to think about consequences

What seems pleasurable or harmless now may have negative long-term effects. Encourage your children to ask: “Where will this lead me?”

Practical Challenge: Share a personal story with your children about a time when long-term thinking helped you avoid a mistake or when a short-term decision caused regret.

2. Set an example by avoiding even common minor sins

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If we casually commit or tolerate minor wrongs, we normalise them for the next generation.

Practical Challenge: Reflect on your own daily habits, are there any small actions (e.g., gossip, dishonesty, neglect of prayer) you’ve let slide? Start correcting one this week and explain your change to your children.

3. Model and teach respect for God’s presence in every action

Children should learn that spirituality isn’t just for “big” occasions. Every choice matters when we’re aware of Allah at all times.

Practical Challenge: At dinner or bedtime, ask your child: “What’s one good thing you did today that you think made Allah happy?” Encourage this reflection daily.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Explain how minor sins lead to greater ones

The hadith provides a powerful insight into the psychology of moral decline. When believers repeatedly commit small sins without repentance or concern, the spiritual sensitivity of the heart diminishes. This normalisation of minor disobedience leads to moral numbness, where greater sins no longer feel serious. For example, joking dishonestly may evolve into habitual lying, or casual gossip into slander and character assassination. Over time, what once felt wrong becomes routine and the soul grows distant from the light of taqwa.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your congregation this week to examine the “small” habits they’ve grown accustomed to, and to seek forgiveness and change before those actions evolve into greater harm. Use real-life, relatable scenarios in your sermons to make this spiritual process tangible.

2. Teach that we cannot judge a sin’s severity solely by our standards

What seems minor to us may be severe in the divine perspective. Emphasise fear of Allah in all matters is the true safeguard.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your audience to examine their hearts, not just their outward actions. Ask them: “Do you feel closer to God after your daily choices?”

3. Speak on how sin dims the soul over time

Use the analogy of light and darkness. With each sin, the light of the soul is dimmed, making the heart less receptive to truth and goodness.

Practical Challenge: In your next khutbah, invite the congregation to think of a time when ignoring a small wrong led them further into harmful habits. Offer them a way back through tawbah (repentance).