Document Type : Research Article

Author

• Syed Abdurrauf Afzali

Department of Philosophy and Mysticism, Faculty of Philosoophy and Religious Studies, al-Mustafa Internationa University, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Ḥayāt ṭayyibah (pure life) represents a pure and virtuous life accompanied by faith and righteous deeds, through which individuals attain genuine peace and spiritual contentment by obeying divine commandments and avoiding sin. Within Islamic theology, sins are fundamentally categorized into major (kabīrah) and minor (ṣaghīrah). Historically, Shiʿi and Sunni scholars have proposed numerous viewpoints to determine the criteria for distinguishing between them. Grounded in reason and tradition, this study aims to present a novel solution for this classification.
METHOD & FINDING: Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this study endeavors to organize and compare the perspectives of previous Muslim scholars while introducing a refined methodological solution. The proposed framework asserts that whenever a definitive scriptural text (naṣṣ) exists, priority must be given to it and it should be strictly followed; however, in the absence of such canonical text, one must resort to rational criteria which, in turn, are endorsed by the Sharīʿah; this is precisely why there exists a necessary correlation between the decree of reason and the decree of the Sharīʿah, and one must act accordingly. This balanced approach appears to have been endorsed by prominent intellectual figures such as Abū Ḥāmid Ghazālī and Mullā Ṣadrā.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the criterion for distinguishing major from minor sins is neither purely rationalist nor purely textualist. Despite their individual merits, both approaches encounter significant theoretical challenges in various domains. Therefore, the optimal resolution lies in reconciling revelation and reason: adhering strictly to authoritative scriptural texts (naṣṣ) when available, and relying on rational methodologies when explicit textual evidence is absent.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Major Sin
• Minor Sin
• Rationalist Perspective
• Textualist Perspective
• Combined Perspective
• Hierarchical-Integrative Model

Main Subjects

• Religious Studies