How Small Sins Turn into Big Ones
Although little sins will bring about less punishment, some behaviors can turn them into grave sins.
A sin is described as doing something God has banned or failing to do something Gad has ordered. In books written on ethics, sins are divided into small ones and grave ones. Such a categorization has a Quranic root:
“If you shun the great sins which you are forbidden, We will do away with your small sins and cause you to enter an honorable place of entering” (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 31)
A grave sin is one that the Quran and Hadiths have described as grave or that they have warned will bring about punishment. Other sins are considered small sins.
Although there are no grave punishments considered for small sins, it is understood from verses of the Quran and Hadiths that such sins can turn into grave ones for different reasons.
One reason, for example, is insistence on committing small sins. If one commits a small sin and fails to repent it can become a great sin. The Quran tells the pious people:
“(Paradise) is also for those who, when committing a sin or doing injustice to themselves, remember God and ask Him to forgive their sins. Who can forgive sins besides God? And who do not knowingly persist in their mistakes?” (Surah Al-Imran, Verse 135)
Another reason is neglecting small sins or underestimating them. Imam Ali (AS) says the worst sin is that which the sinner takes lightly.
Other factors that could contribute to making a sin grave include enjoying and being joyful when committing a sin, and also rebellion as a result of sins. The Quran says:
“Those who have rebelled and preferred the worldly life, hell will be their dwelling.” (Surah An-Nazi’at, Verse 37-39)
Also, exposing a sin and the sins committed by prominent figures in society could be reason for turning it into grave sins.
When known figures in society commit a sin, it could set the ground for the society to go astray and for people’s faith to be weakened.
