Is it obligatory for me to seek forgiveness from someone at whom I frowned, or with whom I was ill-mannered, without having actually harmed them?
Cheerfulness and a welcoming facial expression upon meeting are among the manners of believers and the good character that is commanded, while the opposite, frowning and bad character, is forbidden. Frowning is a scowl upon meeting and a lack of smiling; it stems from arrogance and a harsh disposition. Be sure to have a welcoming facial expression when meeting your brethren, as it is a kindness. You are not required to seek forgiveness from someone you frowned at, though doing so to gladden their heart is good. However, for ill manners that involve a right due to another (such as insult or harm), you must seek their forgiveness. If it does not involve harm, seeking forgiveness is not obligatory, but if it causes estrangement, then gladdening their heart is good.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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