The Difference Between Major and Minor Sins

Question:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, what is the difference between the major sins and the minor sins?

Answer:
The scholars have mentioned the difference between major and minor sins. A major sin is one for which Allah has established a fixed punishment in this world, such as unlawful sexual intercourse, theft, or drinking intoxicants. These carry fixed punishments in this world, which is evidence that they are major sins. Or, Allah has threatened its doer with the Fire; if Allah forbids something and threatens its doer with the Fire, that is evidence that it is a major sin. Or, Allah has cursed it; Allah cursed the thief, and Allah cursed the drinker of intoxicants. If a curse is pronounced upon a sin, that is evidence that it is a major sin. Or, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) disavowed it, saying, "He who does such and such is not one of us." That is evidence that it is a major sin. As for minor sins, they are those that are forbidden, but no threat has been established for them, and no fixed punishment has been established for them in this world. These are the minor sins. Yes.