How can injustices related to backbiting and slander be redressed for the sake of repentance, and does this necessitate informing those who were backbited, with the fear of the consequences of doing so, or is seeking forgiveness and resolving not to return to it sufficient?

Among the conditions for repentance is to return usurped rights or seek forgiveness from those whose rights were violated, if the sin involved the rights of created beings. However, if the injustice was backbiting and informing the backbitten person might lead to great mischief, then it suffices to regret the act, not repeat it, improve one's conduct towards them, and pray for them. It is forbidden to despair of Allah's mercy, for despairing of Allah's spirit and His mercy is among the major sins. Allah Almighty has forbidden this, saying: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah.'" The door to repentance and mercy is wide, no matter how great the sins, and Allah Almighty accepts repentance from His servants and forgives sins.