It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) observed: Avoid the seven noxious things. It was said (by the hearers): What are they, Messenger of Allah? He (S.A.W.) replied: Associating anything with Allah, magic, killing of one whom God has declared inviolate without a just cause, consuming the property of an orphan, and consuming of usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers, but unwary. [hadith found in Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 161]
So let's list them again:
1. shirk
2. magic
3. murder without cause
4. stealing from an orphan
5. usury (interest)
6. running away from the battlefield
7. slandering chaste women
The Prophet (S.A.W.) warned us of seven of the worst crimes and amongst them are shirk, magic, and murder. However, if you continue reading the list, notice the final sin the Prophet (S.A.W.) mentioned, “slandering chaste women who are believers but unwary.” Wronging your fellow Muslim sister with words is on the same list as shirk, magic and murder! Subhan’Allah, can you imagine standing in front of your Lord on the Day of Reckoning claiming to be a believer but having committed one of the most noxious sins on a daily basis, it’s unfathomable! Your deeds would be distributed to those whom you wronged, whether you murdered them or slandered them. O Muslim, please don’t gossip about one another, rather love and pray for another for we all know to whom we shall have to answer one day, to our Lord, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
