What is the Shar'i stance on reconciliation, and what should be done regarding the paternal cousin who assaulted the questioner, especially given their strong relationship prior to the incident, and the fact that the incident caused public mockery?

Allah has forbidden severing kin ties and commanded their maintenance. Jubayr ibn Mut'im narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "A severer of kinship will not enter Paradise."

Kinship is a bond from the Most Merciful, and Allah said: "Whoever connects with you, I will connect with him, and whoever severs you, I will sever him."

Allah has commanded us to maintain kin ties even with those who sever us. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The one who maintains ties is not the one who reciprocates, but the one who, when his kin ties are severed, connects them."

Your cousin's mistake does not justify shunning him for more than three days, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "It is not lawful for a Muslim to shun his brother for more than three nights. They meet, and this one turns away and that one turns away. The better of the two is the one who initiates the greeting of peace."

Initiate reconciliation with him and forgive what transpired from him. Do not let Satan corrupt what is between you, for one of Satan's main goals is to sow enmity and hatred among believers.

Strive to reconcile and remove animosity between your father, your uncle, and your cousins. Forgiveness increases you in honor and dignity. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Allah does not increase a servant through forgiveness except in honor."

Forgiveness is a path to attaining Allah's forgiveness and pardon.