The Holy Quran is like a guidebook for Muslims, showing them what’s right and what’s wrong in life. It clearly tells us which things are allowed (halal) and which are not allowed (haram).
When Allah forbids something in the Quran, it’s not to make life difficult but to keep us safe and help us be better people. For Muslims who want to live a good life, it’s important to know what things the Quran has told us to stay away from.
Let’s look at what these forbidden things are and why they matter:
1. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)
In the Islamic faith, there’s nothing more serious than the sin of Shirk. Every Muslim needs to understand this important rule that Allah has given us. Shirk means believing in or worshipping anything or anyone besides Allah, making it the biggest sin in Islam.
Think of it like this: just as a king wouldn’t accept someone else being called the ruler of his kingdom, Allah, as the one true God, does not accept partners in worship. This helps us understand why keeping our worship pure and directed only to Allah is important.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱفْتَرَىٰٓ إِثْمًا عَظِيمًا
Meaning: Indeed, Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives anything else to whom He wills. And whoever associates partners with Allah has indeed committed a tremendous sin.
Reference: Surah An-Nisa: 48
This verse shows how serious shirk is and what can happen because of it. It shows the importance of believing in one Allah and warns people not to stray from the idea that there is only Allah.
Examples of Shirk in Daily Life:
- Praying to saints or holy people instead of Allah
- Believing that someone other than Allah can see the future
- Wearing lucky charms believing they can protect you
- Believing that someone shares Allah’s powers
2. Consuming Pork Meat
Food plays a big part in our daily lives, and Allah has given us clear rules about what we can and cannot eat. Among these rules, the prohibition of pork is one of the most well-known in Islam.
This rule doesn’t just apply to pork meat it includes everything from a pig, such as bacon, ham, pork gelatin, and even ingredients made from pig products. Allah mentions this rule several times in the Quran, showing how important it is for Muslims to avoid pork completely.
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةُ وَٱلدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ وَٱلْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَٱلْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَٱلْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَٱلنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَآ أَكَلَ ٱلسَّبُعُ إِلَّا مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ وَمَا ذُبِحَ عَلَى ٱلنُّصُبِ وَأَن تَسْتَقْسِمُوا۟ بِٱلْأَزْلَـٰمِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ فِسْقٌ ۗ ٱلْيَوْمَ يَئِسَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن دِينِكُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَٱخْشَوْنِ ۚ ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ فِى مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍۢ لِّإِثْمٍۢ ۙ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
Meaning: Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, and swine; what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah; what is killed by strangling, beating, a fall, or by being gored to death; what is partly eaten by a predator unless you slaughter it; and what is sacrificed on altars.
Reference: Surah Al-Ma’idah – 3
The verse clearly states that pork is forbidden, as it is considered impure and unhealthy for consumption. Muslims are advised to eat only clean, permissible foods to maintain physical and spiritual health.
3. Alcohol/Intoxicants (Khamr)
Among the most important prohibitions in Islam is that of alcohol and all intoxicants. This rule protects our minds, bodies, and society as a whole. The Arabic word used is “Khamr,” which means anything that covers or clouds the mind. This shows us that the rule isn’t just about alcohol it covers anything that makes us lose control of our thoughts and actions or harms our body.
This includes modern-day substances like marijuana/weed, and smoking cigarettes, which fall under the category of intoxicants in Islam because they alter the mind and can lead to addiction.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْخَمْرُ وَٱلْمَيْسِرُ وَٱلْأَنصَابُ وَٱلْأَزْلَـٰمُ رِجْسٌۭ مِّنْ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ فَٱجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
Translation: O you who believe! Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, stone altars, and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.
Reference: Surah Al-Ma’idah: 90
If you want to read more about Alcohol check out this article Below:
The Verse Teaches Us That
- Allah addresses believers directly, showing this is a rule for those who have faith
- Intoxicants are called “defilement” and are linked to Satan’s work
- Success in life is linked to avoiding these substances
- The word “رِجْسٌ” (defilement) includes anything that harms body and mind
- Legal status in different countries doesn’t change its Islamic ruling
Ways to Protect Ourselves
- Avoiding all alcoholic beverages
- Staying away from drugs
- Checking ingredients in drinks and food items
- Avoiding smoking and all tobacco products (cigarettes, shisha, vaping)
- Staying away from marijuana/weed in any form (smoking, edibles, oils)
- Helping others quit harmful habits
- Finding halal alternatives for stress relief and relaxation
4. Consuming Blood
Blood is what Allah has forbidden for Muslims. This rule shows us how Islam cares about both our physical and spiritual well-being. In old times, some cultures used to consume blood or use it in cooking, but Allah made it clear that this practice was not allowed in Islam.
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ بِهِۦ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍۢ وَلَا عَادٍۢ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ
He has only forbidden you to eat carrion, blood, swine, and what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need they will not be sinful. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah: 173
5. Interest/Usury (Riba)
One of the strongest prohibitions in the Quran is against Riba (interest or usury). This prohibition isn’t just about bank interest it covers any unfair increase in money lending where one person profits from another’s needs.
Allah has declared war against those who deal in Riba, showing how serious this sin is.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَذَرُوا۟ مَا بَقِىَ مِنَ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓا۟ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ . فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا۟ فَأْذَنُوا۟ بِحَرْبٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger.
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah Ayat 278-279
This verse warns believers to avoid dealing with interest, as it leads to unfairness and exploitation. Islam promotes financial fairness, and avoiding riba creates a balanced society.
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6. Killing Without Just Cause
Life is sacred in Islam, and taking an innocent life is one of the gravest sins. Allah has made it very clear that killing someone without just cause is strictly forbidden. This rule helps protect society and demonstrates Islam’s high value on human life.
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۗ وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًۭا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِۦ سُلْطَـٰنًۭا فَلَا يُسْرِف فِّى ٱلْقَتْلِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مَنصُورًۭا
Meaning: Do not take a human life made sacred by Allah except with legal right. If anyone is killed unjustly, We have given their heirs the authority, but do not let them exceed limits in retaliation, for they are already supported by law.
Surah Al-Isra – 33
Islam advocates for peace and justice, allowing taking life only in lawful, justified situations as part of a fair legal system.
7. Consuming Orphans’ Wealth Unjustly
Allah shows special care for orphans in the Quran. Taking or misusing an orphan’s wealth is considered a serious sin. This rule protects those who can’t protect themselves and shows how Islam cares for society’s most vulnerable members.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَٰلَ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِى بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًۭا ۖ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًۭا
Explanation: Indeed, those who unjustly consume orphans’ wealth in fact consume nothing but fire into their bellies. And they will be burned in a blazing Hell!
Reference: Surah An-Nisa – 10
This serves as a strong warning to those who misuse the money or property of orphans. It explains the serious consequences of this act, showing how big of a sin it is. In Islam, it is a duty to handle the wealth of orphans with great care, protecting it for them until they are old enough to manage it on their own
8. Adultery/Fornication (Zina)
Another major sin mentioned in the Quran is Zina (adultery and fornication). Islam promotes pure relationships like “Nikkah” and protects family values. This rule helps maintain social order and protects individuals and families from harm.
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَـٰحِشَةًۭ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًۭا
Meaning: And do not come near unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.
Reference: Surah Al-Isra – 32
This strongly advises in this verse against adultery and any form of unlawful sexual relations. Islam seeks to build a morally healthy society by promoting purity and modesty.
Tips to Protect Yourself From Zina
Follow these steps below to protect yourself from this sin:
- Maintaining a proper dress code
- Avoiding situations that could lead to temptation
- Keeping good company
- Lowering the gaze from the forbidden
9. False Testimony Witness
Giving false testimony is forbidden because it causes harm and leads to unfairness, especially toward innocent people. Telling the truth is essential for building trust in the community and ensuring fairness in all matters. Reminding us of our duty to be honest and sincere when speaking or giving evidence.
وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا۟ بِٱللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا۟ كِرَامًۭا
Meaning: They are those who do not bear false witness, and when they come across falsehood, they pass ˹it˺ by with dignity.
Reference: Surah Al-Furqan – 72
This brief verse, yet strong advice from the Quran, urges Muslims to avoid lying or giving false statements. Honesty is crucial to building a fair and trustworthy society, and Islam promotes truth in all actions.
10. Marriage to Specific Relatives
Allah has given us clear rules about who we can and cannot marry to protect family relationships and maintain healthy societies. The Quran lists specific relatives whom Muslims are forbidden to marry. This helps keep family ties pure and prevents social and health problems.
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ أُمَّهَـٰتُكُمْ وَبَنَاتُكُمْ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُمْ وَعَمَّـٰتُكُمْ وَخَـٰلَـٰتُكُمْ وَبَنَاتُ ٱلْأَخِ وَبَنَاتُ ٱلْأُخْتِ وَأُمَّهَـٰتُكُمُ ٱلَّـٰتِىٓ أَرْضَعْنَكُمْ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُم مِّنَ ٱلرَّضَـٰعَةِ وَأُمَّهَـٰتُ نِسَآئِكُمْ وَرَبَـٰٓئِبُكُمُ ٱلَّـٰتِى فِى حُجُورِكُم مِّن نِّسَآئِكُمُ ٱلَّـٰتِى دَخَلْتُم بِهِنَّ فَإِن لَّمْ تَكُونُوا۟ دَخَلْتُم بِهِنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَحَلَـٰٓئِلُ أَبْنَآئِكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ مِنْ أَصْلَـٰبِكُمْ وَأَن تَجْمَعُوا۟ بَيْنَ ٱلْأُخْتَيْنِ إِلَّا مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا
Prohibited to you (for marriage) are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal aunts, your maternal aunts, your brother’s daughters, and your sister’s daughters.
Reference: Surah An-Nisa: 23
11. Oppressors (Dhulm)
Allah strictly forbids all forms of oppression and injustice. In Islam, the term “Dhulm” refers to any wrongdoing or unfairness. It includes actions that hurt others, like treating people unfairly, oppressing them, or abusing power.
Dhulm is seen as a serious sin in Islam because it goes against the principles of justice and fairness that Allah highlights.
وَجَزَٰٓؤُا۟ سَيِّئَةٍۢ سَيِّئَةٌۭ مِّثْلُهَا ۖ فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
Meaning: The reward of an evil deed is its equivalent. But whoever pardons and seeks reconciliation, then their reward is with Allah. He certainly does not like the wrongdoers.
Reference: Surah Ash-Shuraa: 40
It reminds us that Allah does not like those who commit injustice (Dhulm) and that choosing forgiveness brings a reward from Allah. This promotes a society rooted in mercy and fairness.
12. Backbiting
Backbiting, or speaking ill of someone behind their back, is prohibited in Islam. It damages reputations, creates discord among people, and fosters a culture of mistrust.
Muslims are encouraged to speak positively about others and to address grievances directly rather than resorting to gossip or slander.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ كَثِيرًۭا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثْمٌۭ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا۟ وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًۭا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
O believers! Avoid any suspicions, for indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of their dead brother? You would despise that! And fear Allah. Surely Allah is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful.
Reference: Surah Al-Hujurat: 12
This highlights the harmful nature of backbiting and gossip. It promotes a culture of respect and understanding, encouraging Muslims to treat one another with kindness.
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13: Hypocrisy (Nifaq)
In Islam, hypocrisy, known as “Nifaq”, is viewed very negatively. A hypocrite is someone who pretends to believe in Islam but secretly does not believe or acts dishonestly.
This type of behavior harms trust and unity among Muslims and is seen as a serious betrayal of faith. Islam encourages Muslims to be sincere and honest in both their beliefs and actions, urging them to stay true to their faith.
إِنَّ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرْكِ ٱلْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا
Surely the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire and you will never find for them any helper
Surah An-Nisa – 145
In The End
Dear brothers and sisters, these are the things mentioned as haram in the Quran. We have shared them here with references to help you understand the guidance Allah has given us through the Quran.
We aim to provide only authentic information backed by proof, so you can trust that each point comes directly from the Quran. As scholars continue their research, we will add any further details that are specifically mentioned as haram.
May Allah always guide all Muslims and their families on the right path of Islam.
