Fatwa ID: 03799

Answered by: Maulana Irfan Ali

Question

Does anyone know the difference between ذنب and خطيىة?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The difference between the two words is as follows:

خطيىة refers to that sin which towards no intention is made but rather the action brings it into existence.

ذنب is that that sin which is committed consistently. The original meaning of the word denotes a tail, the reason being it’s constantly with the animal following it around. Thus, it is the meaning of sin which is committed consistently.[1]

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Irfan Ali

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham