In the Quran, several different Arabic words can be translated as “sin,” each with distinct nuances in meaning based on their linguistic roots and usage. Below is a list of a number of the primary words for sin, their roots, and the subtle differences in meaning:
- Dhanb (ذنب): A sin that brings consequences or punishment that requires forgiveness from God.
- Ithm (إثم): A morally harmful or unethical sin that often affects others.
- Khaṭīʾa (خطيئة): An error or mistake, often unintentional.
- Fisq (فسق): Rebellion, corruption, or wickedness associated with willful disobedience against God.
- Maʿṣiya (معصية): General disobedience to God’s commands.
- Sayyiʾa (سيئة): An evil deed with harmful outcomes.
- Ẓulm (ظلم): Injustice or oppression, violating the rights of others.
- Hawb (حوب): Sin that brings guilt or shame.
- Wizr (وزر): The burden or responsibility of sin.
- جناح (Junaḥ): A blameworthy act with potential leniency.
- جرم (Jur’m): Guilty of a crime or severe wrongdoing.
- فحش (Fahsha): Indecency or immorality, especially obscene acts or social taboos.
- ٱللَّمَمَ (l-lamama): minor offenses
Each word highlights different aspects of wrongdoing—ranging from error to deliberate defiance, moral harm, indecency, and criminal offense—offering a nuanced understanding of sin in the Quranic framework.
1. ذنب (Dhanb)
Root: ذ ن ب (dhanaba)
Root frequency: 39
Meaning: This word is often translated as “sin” or “offense,” but it implies a sense of consequence or culpability. It refers to a wrongdoing that brings about negative consequences, whether in this life or the hereafter.
Usage in Quran: The term is frequently used to describe acts for which a person bears personal responsibility and can expect punishment unless forgiven. It implies an act that is legally and morally blameworthy.
[5:49] You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations to you. Do not follow their wishes, and beware lest they divert you from some of GOD’s revelations to you. If they turn away, then know that GOD wills to punish them for some of their sins. Indeed, many people are wicked.
وَأَنِ ٱحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ وَٱحْذَرْهُمْ أَن يَفْتِنُوكَ عَنۢ بَعْضِ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُصِيبَهُم بِبَعْضِ ذُنُوبِهِمْ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَفَـٰسِقُونَ
[48:2] Whereby GOD forgives your past sins, as well as future (sins), and perfects His blessings upon you, and guides you in a straight path.
لِّيَغْفِرَ لَكَ ٱللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنۢبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ وَيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكَ وَيَهْدِيَكَ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا
2. إثم (Ithm)
Root: أ ث م (athama)
Root frequency: 48
Meaning: Ithm refers to a sin that involves harmful or immoral behavior, particularly actions that are malicious in intent that harm others, violate their rights, or hinder them from righteousness. It also has connotations of delayed consequences or a sin whose effects are long-lasting.
Usage in Quran: This term often emphasizes the sinful nature of an act in relation to its ethical consequences, particularly injustice or harm. It is sometimes associated with deliberate disobedience or violation of divine law and the future consequences of such actions.
[5:29] “I want you, not me, to bear my sin and your sin, then you end up with the dwellers of Hell. Such is the requital for the transgressors.”
إِنِّىٓ أُرِيدُ أَن تَبُوٓأَ بِإِثْمِى وَإِثْمِكَ فَتَكُونَ مِنْ أَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلنَّارِ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
For note, regarding the above verse, one may ask how the murderer would bear the sins of another. The answer is that a person is responsible for any good or bad they commit and for the outcomes of those actions. So, if someone hinders another from righteous work, they will be held accountable for all the credit that person would have earned had they not been hindered.
[36:12] We will certainly revive the dead, and we have recorded everything they have done in this life, as well as the consequences (that continue after their death). Everything we have counted in a profound record.
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَنَكْتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُوا۟ وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمْ وَكُلَّ شَىْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَـٰهُ فِىٓ إِمَامٍ مُّبِينٍ
3. خطيئة (Khaṭīʾa)
Root: خ ط أ (khaṭaʾa)
Root frequency: 22
Meaning: Khaṭīʾa refers to an error, mistake, or unintentional wrongdoing. It can imply human imperfection, error, or negligence but doesn’t necessarily involve deliberate disobedience. However, it can still result in consequences or punishment.
Usage in Quran: It highlights human fallibility and can refer to individual or collective mistakes that need correction or forgiveness.
[2:81] Indeed, those who earn sins and become surrounded by their evil work will be the dwellers of Hell; they abide in it forever.
بَلَىٰ مَن كَسَبَ سَيِّئَةً وَأَحَـٰطَتْ بِهِۦ خَطِيٓـَٔتُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
4. فسق (Fisq)
Root: ف س ق (fasaqa)
Root frequency: 54
Meaning: Fisq refers to deviance, rebellion, or willful disobedience against divine commands and is often translated as wicked. It denotes an active departure from what is right, often involving corruption or moral depravity.
Usage in Quran: The term is used to describe those who are flagrantly rebellious against God’s law and engage in behavior that goes against divine guidance. It has a strong connotation of corruption.
[49:11] O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونُوا۟ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَآءٌ مِّن نِّسَآءٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا۟ بِٱلْأَلْقَـٰبِ بِئْسَ ٱلِٱسْمُ ٱلْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ ٱلْإِيمَـٰنِ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ
5. معصية (Maʿṣiya)
Root: ع ص ي (ʿaṣa)
Root frequency: 32
Meaning: Maʿṣiya denotes disobedience or defiance against God’s commands. It is a broad term that encompasses any kind of disobedience, whether intentional or habitual.
Usage in Quran: It reflects a conscious act of defying divine authority or deliberately turning away from what is commanded by God.
[10:15] When our revelations are recited to them, those who do not expect to meet us say, “Bring a Quran* other than this, or change it!” Say, “I cannot possibly change it on my own. I simply follow what is revealed to me. I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the retribution of an awesome day.”
وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَاتُنَا بَيِّنَـٰتٍ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا ٱئْتِ بِقُرْءَانٍ غَيْرِ هَـٰذَآ أَوْ بَدِّلْهُ قُلْ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنْ أُبَدِّلَهُۥ مِن تِلْقَآئِ نَفْسِىٓ إِنْ أَتَّبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ
6. سيئة (Sayyiʾa)
Root: س و أ (sawaʾa)
Root frequency: 167
Meaning: Sayyiʾa refers to an evil deed, act of immorality, or wrongdoing. It emphasizes the harmful or undesirable nature of the act and is often contrasted with ḥasana (good deeds). It can denote acts that are morally reprehensible and lead to bad consequences.
Usage in Quran: This term is used to describe acts that result in negative outcomes, including both ethical and social consequences. Thus, it is something that people earn as a consequence of their sins.
[2:81] Indeed, those who earn sins and become surrounded by their evil work will be the dwellers of Hell; they abide in it forever.
بَلَىٰ مَن كَسَبَ سَيِّئَةً وَأَحَـٰطَتْ بِهِۦ خَطِيٓـَٔتُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
7. ظلم (Ẓulm)
Root: ظ ل م (ẓalama)
Root frequency: 315
Meaning: Ẓulm refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing, particularly when one wrongs others or violates their rights. It implies harming or denying justice to another and is often used in the context of oppression. It also comes from the same root as the word for darkness.
Usage in Quran: While ẓulm can refer to sin in general, it frequently highlights moral injustice or oppression and is often translated as wrongdoing.
[2:35] We said, “O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin.”
وَقُلْنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
[16:61] If GOD punished the people for their transgressions, He would have annihilated every creature on earth. But He respites them for a specific, predetermined time. Once their interim ends, they cannot delay it by one hour, nor advance it.
وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ وَلَـٰكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
[31:13] Recall that Luqmãn said to his son, as he enlightened him, “O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice.”
وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَـٰنُ لِٱبْنِهِۦ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُۥ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ
[7:165] When they disregarded what they were reminded of, we saved those who prohibited evil, and afflicted the wrongdoers with a terrible retribution for their wickedness.
فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَنجَيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلسُّوٓءِ وَأَخَذْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ بِعَذَابٍۭ بَـِٔيسٍۭ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ
8. حوب (Hawb)
Root: ح و ب (hawaba)
Root frequency: 1
Meaning: Hawb refers to sin or offense, particularly one that incurs guilt or regret. It emphasizes the emotional and spiritual burden of having committed a wrong. One of its derivative meanings from the root means to pursue a course which leads to sin or injustice.
Usage in Quran: This root and word are only used once in the Quran. It implies sin that brings about feelings of shame, remorse, or guilt.
[4:2] You shall hand over to the orphans their rightful properties. Do not substitute the bad for the good, and do not consume their properties by combining them with yours. This would be a gross injustice.
وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰٓ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ وَلَا تَتَبَدَّلُوا۟ ٱلْخَبِيثَ بِٱلطَّيِّبِ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوٓا۟ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حُوبًا كَبِيرًا
9. وزر (Wizr)
Root: و ز ر (wazara)
Root frequency: 27
Meaning: Wizr refers to a burden or heavy responsibility, often linked to sin. It implies the weight of wrongdoing or the responsibility of one’s sinful actions.
Usage in Quran: It focuses on the burden and consequences of sin, especially in the context of divine accountability, and is used typically used in the Quran regarding the weight of sins one may have to carry in the Hereafter.
[6:31] Losers indeed are those who disbelieve in meeting GOD, until the Hour comes to them suddenly then say, “We deeply regret wasting our lives in this world.” They will carry loads of their sins on their backs; what a miserable load!
قَدْ خَسِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِلِقَآءِ ٱللَّهِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً قَالُوا۟ يَـٰحَسْرَتَنَا عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطْنَا فِيهَا وَهُمْ يَحْمِلُونَ أَوْزَارَهُمْ عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِمْ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ
| 18 | wahum | وَهُمْ | while they |
| 19 | yaḥmilūna | يَحْمِلُونَ | [they] will carry |
| 20 | awzārahum | أَوْزَارَهُمْ | their burdens / sins |
| 21 | ʿalā | عَلَىٰ | on |
| 22 | ẓuhūrihim | ظُهُورِهِمْ | their backs. |
| 23 | alā | أَلَا | Unquestionably! |
| 24 | sāa | سَآءَ | Evil / Miserable (is) |
| 25 | mā | مَا | what |
| 26 | yazirūna | يَزِرُونَ | they bear. |
[35:18] No soul can carry the sins of another soul. If a soul that is loaded with sins implores another to bear part of its load, no other soul can carry any part of it, even if they were related. The only people to heed your warnings are those who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). Whoever purifies his soul, does so for his own good. To GOD is the final destiny.
وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ وَإِن تَدْعُ مُثْقَلَةٌ إِلَىٰ حِمْلِهَا لَا يُحْمَلْ مِنْهُ شَىْءٌ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰٓ إِنَّمَا تُنذِرُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمَن تَزَكَّىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَتَزَكَّىٰ لِنَفْسِهِۦ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
| 1 | walā | وَلَا | And not |
| 2 | taziru | تَزِرُ | it will bear |
| 3 | wāziratun | وَازِرَةٌ | bearer of burdens |
| 4 | wiz’ra | وِزْرَ | burden (of) |
| 5 | ukh’rā | أُخْرَىٰ | another. |
10. جناح (Junaḥ)
Root: ج ن ح (janaha)
Root frequency: 34
Meaning: Junaḥ is often translated as “sin” or “blame,” but its root also carries the meaning of inclination or deviation. It suggests a form of wrongdoing or guilt that deviates from what is right, but sometimes, it conveys leniency, where an action may not be harshly judged.
Usage in the Quran: This word is used in contexts where an action might be considered blameworthy but with some flexibility, depending on the circumstances.
[2:198] You commit no error by seeking provisions from your Lord (through commerce). When you file from ‘Arafaat, you shall commemorate GOD at the Sacred Location (of Muzdalifah). You shall commemorate Him for guiding you; before this, you had gone astray.
لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَـٰتٍ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ وَٱذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
Nuance: Junaḥ implies a milder form of wrongdoing or error, often used in legal or ethical discussions where the line between right and wrong may involve personal discretion or leniency.
11. جرم (Jur’m)
Root: ج ر م (jarama)
Root frequency: 66
Meaning: Jur’m translates directly to “crime” or “offense,” implying a severe form of wrongdoing or violation of moral or legal boundaries. It refers to a sin or transgression with serious moral implications, such that one will be a guilty criminal if one commits it.
Usage in the Quran: Jur’m is used to describe sins that are criminal in nature, highlighting the gravity of the offense, and it often denotes actions that are deliberate that result in harm or injustice and carries heavy consequences, both spiritually and socially.
[7:84] We showered them with a certain shower; note the consequences for the guilty.
وَأَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّطَرًا فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ
[6:123] We allow the leading criminals of every community to plot and scheme. But they only plot and scheme against their own souls, without perceiving.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرْيَةٍ أَكَـٰبِرَ مُجْرِمِيهَا لِيَمْكُرُوا۟ فِيهَا وَمَا يَمْكُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ
12. فحش (Fahsha)
Root: ف ح ش (fahasha)
Root frequency: 24
Meaning: Fahsha is translated as “indecency” or “immorality” and refers specifically to actions that are considered grossly immoral or obscene. It often refers to acts of sexual immorality or other behaviors that are deemed socially or religiously reprehensible.
Usage in the Quran: The term is frequently used in moral discussions regarding inappropriate or indecent behavior, often associated with acts that violate public or religious decency. Fahsha is associated with sins of indecency, especially those that involve acts of obscenity or immorality. It often refers to behavior that transgresses ethical and societal norms of modesty and decency.
[24:19] Those who love to see immorality spread among the believers have incurred a painful retribution in this life and in the Hereafter. GOD knows, while you do not know.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلْفَـٰحِشَةُ فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
13. ٱللَّمَمَ (l-lamama)
Root: ل م م (lamama)
Root frequency: 2
Meaning: lamama is translated as “minor offenses.” The root has additional derivative meanings of small faults, occasional stumbling, or a temporary and light lapse. These are sins that are not done intentionally. This word is also what is known as a Janus word. These are words that can mean one thing and its opposite, thus creating contradictory meanings. Other names for these kinds of words are contronyms, auto-antonyms, or antagonyms. Examples in English are the words screen, sanction, and cleave.
Usage in the Quran: This root is only used twice in the Quran and only one time in the context of sin, while the second occurrence as an adjective in the context of a deliberate malicious action.
[53:32] They avoid gross sins and transgressions, except for minor offenses. Your Lord’s forgiveness is immense. He has been fully aware of you since He initiated you from the earth, and while you were embryos in your mothers’ bellies. Therefore, do not exalt yourselves; He is fully aware of the righteous.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓئِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٰسِعُ ٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِى بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰٓ
[89:19] And consuming the inheritance of helpless orphans.
(١٩) وَتَأْكُلُونَ ٱلتُّرَاثَ أَكْلًا لَّمًّا
Additional Reading:
Quran Talk Blog 
what about the word in 53:32, إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَ ۚ which is translated as minor offense?
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