What is the difference between rights that are fulfilled and those that are not fulfilled, and what is the meaning of rights that are not fulfilled? Is general seeking of forgiveness, or seeking forgiveness and supplication, sufficient for repentance from unfulfilled rights, while maintaining a good relationship with the person even if they know they were backbitten? Is a right considered fulfilled if I admit to lying and my admission would restore or benefit the right, and must I confess to the person whose rights I wronged that I was the one who lied and caused them problems, or is it sufficient to secretly rectify the problem or compensate them?

Rights are of two types: material and moral. Material rights, such as money and injuries, must be returned to their owners or their forgiveness sought, with the necessary details. As for moral rights, such as backbiting and slander, there is a difference of opinion regarding the obligation to seek forgiveness from the wronged person. The preponderant view, if the matter has not reached the wronged person and mischief is feared, is that there is no obligation to seek forgiveness, and repentance and seeking Allah's forgiveness suffice. If a lie resulted in the loss of a financial right for a person, it must be returned to him or his forgiveness sought, and it is permissible to return it secretly.