Seeking Forgiveness for Past Wrongs: A Guide to Huquq al-Ibad

What to Do When You’ve Wronged Others and They’ve Passed Away

Question: If someone has greatly neglected the rights of others and those they wronged have passed away, what should they do? It seems there is no way to seek forgiveness from them. They are very distressed. Additionally, can Allah, the Most High, forgive the rights of others, or must forgiveness be sought from the people themselves?

Answer: The matter of the rights of others (huquq al-ibad) is extremely important, and Muslims should be very cautious in this regard because life is unpredictable, and death can come at any time, leaving the sin of injustice unresolved, as in the situation described.

In this case, the person should first turn to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and sincerely repent to Him, resolving not to commit any further injustices. 

If the matter involves financial rights, the deceased’s wealth should be returned to their heirs. If there are no heirs, the wealth should be given in charity on behalf of the deceased. If the matter does not involve financial rights but rather verbal or physical harm, the person should frequently seek forgiveness for the deceased and continue to do so for the rest of their life. This act of seeking forgiveness may benefit the deceased.

Ideally, forgiveness should have been sought when the wronged person was alive, but since that opportunity has passed, the door to seeking forgiveness from the deceased is closed. The only hope now is to make abundant supplications for the deceased and to refrain from committing further injustices.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

(Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫

Author: IslamicHelper

Tags: Tawba
IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

A Woman’s Home: The Islamic Place of Dignity & Peace

Delve into the profound Islamic wisdom behind why a woman's home is her ultimate sanctuary. This article explores the Quranic… Read More

1 week ago

Chastity Before Marriage in Islam

Explore the divine imperative of chastity in Islam, rooted in Quran and Sunnah, safeguarding dignity, family, and society from zina's… Read More

1 week ago

Islam’s Guide to Animal Kindness & Eco Responsibility

Discover Islam’s profound teachings on kindness to animals and environmental responsibility, rooted in Quranic principles and Prophetic traditions, promoting compassion… Read More

1 week ago

Backbiting & Lying in Islam: Quranic Warnings

Explore the clear Islamic definitions and prohibitions of backbiting (Gheebah), tale-bearing (Nameemah), and lying. This detailed explanation from Allamah Zayd… Read More

1 week ago

Women’s Role in Society’s Foundation

Explore how women, as mothers and wives, form the cornerstone of family and society through nurturing, harmony, and value instillation,… Read More

2 weeks ago

Spouses as Garments: Quran 2:187 Meaning

Discover the metaphor of spouses as garments in Quran 2:187, exploring protection, comfort, intimacy, and mutual rights for a blessed… Read More

2 weeks ago