Does the Hadith, "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope for reward, his past sins will be forgiven," include sins related to the rights of others, which the perpetrator regrets but cannot confess to those whose rights were violated?
There are many expiations for sins, such as repentance, seeking forgiveness, performing acts of obedience, and implementing hudud (prescribed punishments). However, the virtues of good deeds only expiate minor sins and the rights of Allah. As for sins related to the rights of people, they are not expiated except by returning the injustices to their owners. This includes both material and moral rights. If the wronged person knows about the injustice, then it is obligatory to apologize to them and seek their forgiveness. If they do not know about it, then they should not be informed; rather, one should supplicate for them and seek forgiveness for them. If it is impossible to return the injustice, then one should give charity on behalf of the wronged person. Then, one should inform them about it upon meeting them. If they approve of it, then all is well; otherwise, one is liable for it, and the charity will be for the wronged person.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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