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Fatwa CenterPersisting on Minor Sins Makes Them Major
Question
Assalamualikum, According to fatwa no 116246 there is a difference of opinion on whether a minor sin becomes a major or minor sin when done persistently. If a person does wudhu(abulution) would this minor sin which he does persistently be forgiven. Also will the fasting on the day of Arafah lead to forgivness from Allah(swt) of such minor sins which are done persistently.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
If we say that persistence in committing minor sins turns them into major sins, which is the opinion of most scholars, then, in order for major sins to be expiated, one has to repent of them in specific. That is, they cannot be expiated by observing fast on the day of ‘Arafah or doing any of the acts of obedience which were reported to be expiation for sins. This is evidenced by the Hadeeth in which the Prophet said: “The five (daily) prayers, and Friday prayer to (the next) Friday prayer, and (the fasting of) Ramadan to (the next) Ramadan are expiations for the sins committed in between them if the major sins are avoided.” [Muslim]
As per the other scholarly view which holds that persistence in committing minor sins does not turn them into major sins, then, by analogy, those minor sins are expiated by doing the acts of obedience that are reported to be expiation for sins.
For more benefit on the difference between major and minor sins, please refer to Fatwa 318175, 305404, 116246 and 88207.
Allah knows best.
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