What should a young man do, who repented from sodomy at the age of 22, after having committed it at the age of 16, given that some people know his story and assume that everyone who speaks with him knows it? And what is the ruling on speaking with him?

The penitent must remain steadfast in his repentance and increase good deeds. The opinions of people should not harm him, for they possess nothing, and he should make Allah's pleasure his goal. Allah has promised the righteous believers affection in the hearts of His servants, as He says: "Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - the Most Merciful will appoint for them affection." And if Allah loves a servant, He places acceptance for him on Earth. This man should be treated like any other person after his repentance, for his sin does not cling to him after he has repented.