Have you ever said something hurtful to someone and immediately regretted it?
Perhaps you insulted a friend during an argument, spread information that damaged someone’s reputation, or took something that did not belong to you.
Later, you felt guilty and began asking Allah for forgiveness.
But have you considered whether the person you hurt has also been given their right?
One important lesson in Islam is that seeking Allah’s forgiveness is essential, but when our wrongdoing involves another person’s rights, we must also take steps to correct the harm.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WRONGING YOURSELF AND WRONGING OTHERS
In Islam, sins include those that involve disobedience to Allah and those that involve violating the rights of other people.
For example, neglecting an act of worship is a matter between a person and Allah, and sincere repentance is required.
However, if you steal someone’s money, spread false information about them, or damage their property, another person’s rights are involved.
You cannot simply ignore the harm and assume that saying “Astaghfirullah” automatically settles everything.
You must take responsibility for what you have done.
THE PROPHET’S WARNING ABOUT THE BANKRUPT PERSON
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) asked his companions whether they knew who the bankrupt person was.
He explained that the truly bankrupt person would come on the Day of Judgment with prayers, fasting, and charity but would also have insulted others, falsely accused people, consumed their wealth, and harmed them.
As a result, their good deeds would be given to those they wronged. If their good deeds were exhausted, the sins of those people would be placed upon them.
— Sahih Muslim 2581
This hadith is a serious reminder that worship does not give us permission to mistreat people.
You may be performing many good deeds, but you must also be careful not to violate the rights of others.
WHAT IF YOU HURT SOMEONE?
Consider these situations:
1. YOU INSULTED SOMEONE.
Perhaps you called someone hurtful names during an argument.
You should acknowledge what you said, seek forgiveness from Allah, and consider how best to apologize and repair the harm.
2. YOU TOOK SOMEONE’S MONEY.
You must make a genuine effort to return what belongs to them.
Simply regretting the action without restoring their property does not fulfil their financial right.
3. YOU SPREAD FALSE INFORMATION.
You should correct the false information with the people who received it, as appropriate, and avoid repeating the accusation.
4. YOU BETRAYED SOMEONE’S TRUST.
Acknowledge the betrayal and take reasonable steps to repair the damage, while respecting the person’s boundaries.
5. YOU BACKBIT SOMEONE.
Backbiting is a serious sin. You should repent, stop the behavior, and avoid spreading further harm. Questions about whether and how to inform the person you backbit about can require careful judgment, especially if disclosure would create greater harm. Seek guidance from a knowledgeable scholar where necessary.
HOW TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT
1. Acknowledge your wrongdoing.
Do not spend your time defending an action you know was wrong.
2. Make sincere tawbah.
Regret the sin, stop it, and resolve not to repeat it.
3. Restore the person’s rights.
Return money, replace damaged property, correct false statements, or take other appropriate steps.
4. Apologize sincerely where appropriate.
Do not apologize merely to escape guilt. Recognize the pain you caused and avoid making excuses.
5. Respect the person’s response.
They may need time to heal. Do not demand that they forgive you immediately.
WHAT IF THE PERSON REFUSES TO FORGIVE YOU?
You cannot force another person to forgive you.
Your responsibility is to make a sincere effort to correct the harm, restore their rights, and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
If direct contact would cause further harm or is not possible, seek knowledgeable guidance on how to fulfil the person’s rights as far as you can.
Do not use someone’s refusal to forgive you as an excuse to avoid taking responsibility.
BE CAREFUL WITH PEOPLE’S RIGHTS BEFORE YOU WRONG THEM
It is much easier to protect someone’s dignity than to repair the damage after destroying it.
Think before you speak. Be honest in your dealings. Return what you borrow. Keep entrusted information confidential.
Remember that people are not objects we can hurt and then simply move on from.
HEART CHECK
Your relationship with Allah should influence how you treat other people.
Do not become so focused on performing acts of worship that you forget the importance of justice, honesty, and respecting people’s rights.
If you have wronged someone, do not stop at asking Allah for forgiveness. Take sincere steps to correct what you have done.
May Allah forgive our sins, help us restore the rights of those we have wronged, and protect us from becoming a source of harm to others. Ameen.
3SIXTYISLAM
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