How can one atone for wrongdoing that occurred through backbiting or suspicion, without the ability to meet the individuals and apologize to them?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A Muslim must offer sincere repentance for backbiting and having ill thoughts about people, for repentance erases what came before it. Part of perfect repentance is seeking forgiveness from those whose rights were violated, if possible, and if it does not lead to a greater harm. If seeking forgiveness would lead to increased discord, then it is sufficient to seek general forgiveness without specifying the sin. If the person whose rights were violated cannot be reached, then it is sufficient to pray for them and speak well of them in the places where the backbiting occurred.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/125516
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 125516
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy