The Rights of Allah and Etiquette with Allah

 

The Rights of Allah and Etiquette with Allah

Assembled by Mallam Abba Abana issued and dated 27 February 2021

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu. Amma Ba’d.

Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is His slave and Messenger.

The Rights of Allah vs. The Rights of the Creation

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet ﷺ was told about a lady who prayed every night, and fasted regularly, and was very generous, but she harmed her neighbors by her speech. He ﷺ replied, "There is no good in her; she is of the people of Hell." He was then asked about a lady who only prays the obligatory prayers, and gives crumbs of goat cheese as charity, but doesn't irritate her neighbors. He ﷺ replied, "She is of the people of Jannah". [Reported by al-Bukhārī in his Adab al-Mufrad].

From this hadith, we learn:

- harming others with one's tongue, by backbiting, and slander, and sarcastic remarks, and ridicule, is a sin that effectively nullifies almost all good deeds, the obligatory and the nafl. The fact that such a lady would end up in Jahannam despite all of her other good deeds is enough of a warning to be careful with respect to the rights of others.

- being mediocre in one's worship but taking care to not transgress on the rights of other people is good enough to make it to Jannah. An average Muslim who prays and fasts minimal amounts, and avoids the major sins while not harming others has done well.

- the rights of the neighbor are extremely important in our faith, as we expect our neighbors to take care of us and protect and help us. If they betray that trust, society will suffer!

- a common misunderstanding is that any harm to the creation is a larger sin than any laziness of rituals. The issue is more complicated than that, and in this tradition the lady that ends up in Jannah was doing the bare minimum necessary to be a faithful Muslim. We can't compare the abandonment of the prayer with hurting people with one's tongue: the two are separate categories of sins. And while the abandonment of the prayer is indeed a larger sin than, say, backbiting, it is far easier for that to be forgiven if one repents, because it deals with the rights of Allah exclusively, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. On the other hand, harming others involves the rights of Allah and the rights of others, hence forgiveness is more difficult even though the gravity of the sin might be lighter than the sin of missing the rituals - so note this point since many people confuse the two aspects of gravity of sin vs. forgiveness of sin.

- Of course, the best person is the one who fulfills the rights of Allah with perfection, and also fulfills the rights of the creation with perfection, so strive to be in that category!

And success is sought from Allah alone!

The most important right that must be fulfilled is to Allah. Allah is the Only Creator. He Created you. He Created everything in His Complete Wisdom. He is the One who protects humans in their mothers’ wombs, as infants, as children and as adults. He, alone, sustains all humans and provides them with food and every aspect of life.

Allah said, what translated means,

“And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah).” [Holy Quran Chapter An Nahl 16:78]

Allah’s control over his slaves is perfect. His bounties are countless. If this is His role in the life of humans, then His rights are what one must keep the most. Allah does not need sustenance from His slaves.

He, the Almighty, definitely, has the right of creating us from nothing, preparing us for whatever we shall become while realizing we are completely incapable of doing anything. Allah provides us with all that we have in terms such as health, strength, senses, food, shelter, abilities etc.

And yet, Allah, the Almighty, does not ask anything in return for all His gifts, grants and bounties offered by generously without limitation. He grants to all who believe in Him, follow His teachings and commands, and to those who do not as well. He requires no favors from us. He demands no provision of food or drink, as He is neither in need of nourishment, nor in need for us for any reason.

He said, what translated means:

“We ask not of you a provision. We provide it for you. And the good end is for the Muttaqeen (the ones who fear Allah).”[Quran Chapter Taha 20:132]

This right of Allah is an ideal belief, truthful faith and belief in justice and fairness. This right results in fruitful and excellent quality, good deed and actions. The essence of this belief is love reverence and respect. Meanwhile, the result and fruit of this belief is dedication, sincerity and full devotion to truth, justice, and good ethnic and moral practice.

So it is Allah’s right that you worship Him alone without setting any partners with Him

1. The Right To Be Worshiped Alone Without Any Partners

And enjoin As-Salât on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money); We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqûn 

Allah’s right is that you worshiped him alone, without any intermediaries or any partners in between Allah and you.

Quran Chapter Ad Dzariyat 51: 56-58

And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). (56) I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). (57) Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. (58)

Allah, the Almighty, demands complete, through and unrestricted submission in slavery for Him, in respect of His position as Full and Complete Lord, Cherisher and Care taker. Man must present himself before His Creator and Cherisher in full humiliation, obedience and submission to His Commands and Will without questioning the validity of the rule, or even the wisdom behind it, as He, the Almighty, knows well what it is good for His creations as a sole Creator. Man is required to fully believe, wholeheartedly, in that is reported soundly and truly of His Creator through His Prophets, Messengers and Books or scriptures.

In fact, the give of daily prayer of Muslims is but a simple result of the application of this right of Allah, the Almighty. However, such daily prayers are for the benefits of man himself. They will abolish the minor sins committed during that day , increase the rewards of man for his good actions, improve morals, practices and devotions of the heart of man while improving various situations of man, such as patience and perseverance, concentration, dedication, steadfastness, devotion, commitment to time, production and excellence and so forth.

And remember, even though many in this world do not believe in Him nor worshiped Him, this does not reduce His Might in any single way. You are in need more of it and that is His Rights over you.

Etiquette With Allah

1. Fear And Hope In Allah

Indeed, a person exhibits the fear of Allah by seeking to prevent Allah’s punishment by carrying out what Allah has commanded of him and abstaining from what Allah has prohibited him.

Allah had called upon all people in every era to fear Him. Allah says: Quran Chapter An Nisa 4: 131

And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allâh, and keep your duty to Him, But if you disbelieve, then unto Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allâh is Ever Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all praise. (131)

The fear of Allah is the path to forgiveness, salvation, and the attainment of Allah’s mercy. Allah says: Quran Chapter n Nahl:128
“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.” 

“And whoever fears Allah – He will pardon him his sins and grant him a great reward.” [Quran Chapter Sûrah al-Talâq : 5]

Allah promises those who fear Him that He will provide for their needs and grant them a way out of their worldly difficulties. Allah says:

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from whence he could never imagine.” [Quran Chapter Sûrah al-Talâq : 2-3]

Ibn Mas`ûd explained what it means to fear Allah as He ought to be feared by saying:

“It means that He is to be obeyed not disobeyed, remembered not forgotten, and shown gratitude not ingratitude.”

It is reported on the authority Ibn `Abbas (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allah was asked about the major sins; He replied:

“Associating partners with Allah (shirk), despairing of Allah’s Mercy and believing that one is safe from Allah’s Plan.”

The Hadith proves the obligation of fearing Allah, while hoping for His Mercy.

2. Shukr (Gratitude, Giving Thanks)

Allaah is the One Who bestows favours (we have learned about al Wahhab) and blessings upon all of creation, so they have to show their gratitude for these blessings on their lips and in their hearts and in their physical actions, by praising Allaah and using these blessings to obey Allaah and in ways that Allaah has permitted:

“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me Quran Chapter al-Baqarah 2:152 ]

The reward of gratitude is unlimited:

” …If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you…” (Quran Chapter Ibrâhîm 14:7)

Allâh has made the reward for gratitude free from any conditions, as in:
And no person can ever die except by Allâh’s Leave and at an appointed term. And whoever desires a reward in (this) world, We shall give him of it; and whoever desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give him thereof. And We shall reward the grateful. (Quran Chapter Al Imran 3:145)

2. Think About Allah’s Knowledge

Know that he is watching you in any circumstances. You heart should be filled with awe, respect and veneration with Allah. He then become shy and embarrassed to disobey Allah. This is how he should behave towards Allah.

Allah says in Quran Chapter Surah An Nahl 16: 19

And Allâh knows what you conceal and what you reveal. (19)

Quran Chapter Surah Yunus 10: 61

Neither you (O Muhammad SAW) do any deed nor recite any portion of the Qur’ân, – nor you (mankind) do any deed (good or evil), but We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it. And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record. (Tafsir At-Tabarî). (61)

3. We Must Ponder Over Allah’s Power And Control Over Us

There is no escape or fleeing from Him. There is no refuge or shelter except in Allah Himself. Therefore, Muslim flees to Allah and throws himself before Him. He leaves his affairs with Allah and puts his trust in Him.

Quran Chapter Ad Dzariyat 51: 50

So flee to Allâh (from His Torment to His Mercy — Islâmic Monotheism)

We must always consider Allah’s grip on us and His abilty to punish severely. Thus we strive not to die in the state of disobedience.

Quran Chapter Buruj: 12

Verily, the Seizure (Punishment) of your Lord is severe and painful. (See Quran Chapter V.11:102) (12)

Quran Chapter Hud : 102

Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful, (and) severe. (102)

A Muslim should think, that while he is disobeying, is this act by itself already a punishment for him?

4. A Muslim Considers How Generous And Compassionate Allah Is

He considers Allah’s mercy upon him and upon all of His creation. He desires to have more of that mercy. He then humble himself to Allah with sincere humility and supplications.  He seeks a means of approach to Allah with the best of speech and good deeds.

It is not proper to despair of receiving more of His Mercy.

Allah says in Quran Chapter surah al Shuara 42: 19

Allâh is very Gracious and Kind to His slaves

Quran Chapter Yusuf 12: 87

“O my sons! Go you and enquire about Yûsuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allâh’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allâh’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” (87)

 5. Having Good Expectations Of Allah

It is not proper for anyone to have bad thoughts about Allah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said

I am as My servant’s opinion of Me.” (Bukhari)

6. Ihtisab

Looking forward to Allah’s reward and forgiveness for every affliction, regardless of the pain and suffering is called Ihtisab.

Allah’s Messenger said, “When Allah takes away from His believing servant his beloved one of the people of the earth; if he displays patience and Ihtisab, Allah will then not accept any reward for him less than Jannah (Paradise).”[Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Let us take the example of Aasiyah, the wife of Firawn. Aasiyah was severely tortured by her husband, who was a king, because she had accepted the Oneness of Allah. In spite of the severe anguish and pain, Aasiyah persisted in her faith, displayed immense patience and practiced Ihtisab. She prayed to Allah and asked Him for a home in Paradise. Allah mentions her story in the Qur’aan, “And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Firawn, when she said, “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise and save me from Firawn and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers.” [Quran Chapter Soorah at-Tahrim (66):11]

When she invoked Allah with this du’a, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. Firawn commanded a big rock to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah inorder to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the rock was dropped. So, Allah granted Aasiyah two blessings for her Ihtisab; a home in Paradise and protection from the cunning plans of Firawn. She is thus an example for all those who will come after her until the Day of Judgment.[Seeat-Tabari23:500]

When you encounter a trial or a hardship, there is a level of patience you have to have whether you like it or not. That patience may or may not be rewarded, depending on your behavior. However, there is a level of patience that is only achieved by those who aspire to please Allah. That patience is called “ihtisab” which means “seeking the reward.”

In conclusion, a Muslim must be thankful to his Lord for all the bounties He has given to him. He must be shy towards his Lord whenever he leans towards committing a sin. He must sincerely turn towards His Lord, put his trust in Him, hope for His Mercy and fear His punishments.

He must have good expectations concerning Allah with respect to Allah fulfilling His Promises and threats for whoever He wills form His slaves. This is how one should behave towards Allah.

The more that he sticks to these matters and guards them, the greater will be his position and elevated will be his rank. He shall be greatly blessed by Allah and he shall become the most devoted slaves. He shall be enveloped in Allah’s Mercy and shall have Allah’s blessings bestowed upon him.

Islamic rights

Islamic rights are many, among the most important of which are the following:

The rights of Allaah

The blessings of Allaah to His slaves are innumerable. Every blessing deserves thanks. The rights of Allaah upon His slaves are many, the most important of which include the following:

1. Tawheed, which means believing that Allaah is One in His Essence, His names, His attributes and His deeds. So we should believe that Allaah alone is the Lord, the Sovereign, the Controller, the Creator, the Provider, in Whose hand is Dominion and He is Able to do all things:

“Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion; and He is Able to do all things”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Mulk 67:1 – interpretation of the meaning]

2. ‘Ibaadah (worship), which means worshipping Allaah alone because He is their Lord, Creator and Provider. So all kinds of worship should be devoted to Him alone, such as du’aa’ (supplication), dhikr (remembering Allaah), seeking help, humbling oneself, submitting, hope and fear, vows, sacrifices, and so on. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Nisaa’ 4:36]

3.Shukr (gratitude, giving thanks), for Allaah is the One Who bestows favours and blessings upon all of creation, so they have to show their gratitude for these blessings on their lips and in their hearts and in their physical actions, by praising Allaah and using these blessings to obey Allaah and in ways that Allaah has permitted:

“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me [Holy Quran Chapter al-Baqarah 2:152 – interpretation of the meaning]

The rights of the Messenger

The sending of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is a great blessing for all of mankind. Allah sent him to bring mankind forth from darkness into light, and to show them that which will bring them happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.

Among the rights that the Messenger has over us are that we should love him, obey him and send blessings upon him. Loving him (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is achieved by obeying his commands and believing what he told us, avoiding that which he forbade and not worshipping Allaah except in the ways that he prescribed.

Parent’s rights

Islam pays special attention to the family and encourages love and respect within it. The parents are the basis and foundation of the family, hence honouring one's parents is one of the best deeds and one of the most beloved actions to Allaah.

Honouring one’s parents is achieved by obeying them, respecting them, being humble towards them, treating them kindly, spending on them, praying for them, upholding ties of kinship with those to whom one is related through them, and honouring their friends:

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Israa’ 17:23]

The rights of the mother in this regard are greater, because she is the one who bears the child, gives birth to him and breastfeeds him. A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, who is most deserving of my good companionship?” He said, “Your mother.” He said, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He said, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He said, “Then who?” He said, “Your father.”

(Agreed upon. This version was narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Adab, 78)

The rights of one Muslim over another

The believers are brothers and are an integrated nation, like a building parts of which support other parts. They treat one another with mercy and compassion, and love one another. In order to preserve this building and this brotherhood, Allaah has prescribed rights which each Muslim has over his fellow Muslim. These include love, sincerity (naseehah), relieving his distress, concealing his mistakes, supporting him when he is in the right, respecting neighbours and honouring guests.

These rights also include returning greetings of salaam, visiting the sick, accepting invitations, saying “yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you) to a Muslim when he sneezes, and attending his funeral. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The rights of one Muslim over another are five: returning the greeting of salaam, saying ‘yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you)’ when he sneezes, accepting invitations, visiting the sick and attending funerals.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2625)

Neighbour’s rights

Islam pays attention to the issue of neighbours, whether they are Muslim or not, because of the interests served by that in making the nation like one body. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Jibreel kept on enjoining the good treatment of neighbours to the extent that I thought that he would include neighbours as heirs.” (Agreed upon. Narrated by Muslim, 2625)

Among the rights of one neighbour over another as affirmed by Islam are the initiation of greetings, visiting him if he is sick, offering condolences if calamity befalls him, congratulating him at times of joy, overlooking his mistakes, concealing his faults, bearing his annoyance with patience, giving him gifts, lending him money if he needs it, lowering one’s gaze from looking at his womenfolk, and guiding him to that which will benefit him in his religious and worldly affairs. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“The best of companions with Allaah is the one who is best to his companion, and the best of neighbours with Him is the one who is best to his neighbour.”(Narrated by al-Bukhaari in al-Adab al-Mufrad, 115)

Concerning neighbours’ rights, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masaakeen (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side…”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Nisaa’ 4:36]

Islam warns against annoying one’s neighbours or treating them badly. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that this would lead to being deprived of Paradise: “He will not enter Paradise from whose harm his neighbour is not safe.” (Agreed upon. Narrated by Muslim, 64).

In order to achieve the common interest, Islam gives rights to the ruler over his subjects and to the subjects over their ruler, and its gives the husband rights over his wife and the wife rights over her husband, and there are other just rights which Islam has enjoined.

Islam Q&A, 11413

Source: From Usool al-Deen al-Islami, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri

Repented From Stealing But Unable to Return Stolen Property

Firstly: You should realize that the mercy of Allah is greater than anyone can imagine. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “... and My Mercy embraces all things.”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-A’raf 7:156]

And it was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah has one hundred degrees of mercy, of which He sent down one among the jinn, mankind, the animals and the vermin, by virtue of which they show compassion and mercy to one another, and the wild animal shows compassion to its young. But Allah has kept behind ninety-nine degrees of mercy by virtue of which He will have mercy on His slaves on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by Muslim, 2752.

A person repented from killing one hundred souls, as was narrated in the saheeh hadeeth (authentic narration) from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) (narrated by Muslim, 2766), and stealing is not more serious than killing.

Secondly: The scholars stated that there are three conditions for repentance: giving up the sin, regretting what is past, and resolving not to go back to it.

You should understand that rights are of two types: the rights of Allah and the rights of other people. The rights of Allah are waived when one repents, except in the case of financial dues such as zakah (poor-due), kaffarah (expiation) and vows – according to the correct opinion. See Rawdat al-Talibeen, 11/246; Kashshaf al-Qina’, 2/257.

With regard to the rights of other people, the scholars added a fourth condition to repentance, which is that people’s rights should be restored to them, and that repentance is not sufficient to waive any of the rights owed to others, rather the rights of the one who has been wronged must be restored.

This was mentioned by Ibn Qudamah, al-Nawawi, Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Hajar and others. See: al-Mughni, 14/193; Rawdat al-Talibeen, 11/245-246; Madarij al-Salikeen, 1/396; Fath al-Bari, 11/104.

Thirdly: What you mention about not being able to return the money is no justification for taking this matter lightly. Try to collect the money from halal (lawful) sources such as gifts, work that is Islamically acceptable, and so on. Allah will help you with that if He knows that you are sincere, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine.”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Talaq 65:2-3]

Then give this money to its rightful owner and tell them frankly, if that will not cause embarrassment or lead to harmful consequences; if being frank will cause too much embarrassment, then you can give it to them in a way that will not cause any trouble between you and them.

If you cannot return the money because the amount is too great and you cannot afford it, then you can ask the owners to forgive you. Seek the help of Allah in this and put your trust in Him.

“And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Talaq 65:3]

If you cannot do that either because you do not know who the owner is, for example, then we hope that Allah will forgive you.

Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: If the sin has to do with financial duties, such as withholding zakah, seizing property by force and crimes against people’s wealth, then as well as that (repentance) the duty must also be discharged, such as paying zakah, returning people’s wealth to them if it is still present or paying them the equivalent otherwise, or asking the person to whom it is owed to let him off. If the person has died, then it should be given to his heir; if he does not have an heir or he cannot be found, then the matter should be referred to a Qadi (Judge) of good character.

If this is not possible, then it should be given in charity to the poor with the intention of also paying it back if he (the one who took it) finds him; if he is poor then he should have the intention of paying it back if he can. If he dies before he can pay it back, then there is the hope that Allah will forgive him by His grace. Rawdat al-Talibeen, 11/246.

And Allah is the Source of strength.

Source: Islam Q&A, 43017

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/43017/repented-from-stealing-but-unable-to-return-stolen-property

Expiation for Transgression Against Rights of Others

There are many things which expiate for sins, including repentance, seeking forgiveness, doing acts of worship, carrying out hadd (Islamically prescribed) punishments on those who have done acts for which such punishments are due, and so on. But righteous deeds such as prayers, fasting, Hajj, etc. only expiate for minor sins, according to the majority of scholars, and they only expiate for transgressions against the rights of Allah. With regard to sins that have to do with the rights of other people, they can only be expiated by repenting from them. One of the conditions of repenting from them is restoring the rights of those who have been wronged. 

Muslim narrated from ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The martyr will be forgiven for all his sins except debt.” 

Al-Nawawi said in Sharh Muslim: 

The words of the Prophet (ﷺ) “except debt” draw attention to all rights owed to other people. Jihad (fighting for Allah’s cause), martyrdom and other righteous deeds do not expiate for transgressions against the rights of other people, rather they only expiate for transgressions against the rights of Allah. End quote. 

Ibn Muflih said in al-Furoo’.

Martyrdom expiates for everything except debt. Our Shaykh (i.e., Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, may Allah have mercy on him) said: and except sins against other people such as murder and oppression. End quote. 

It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah: Repentance in the sense of regretting what one has done and resolving not to do it again is not sufficient to waive the rights that are owed to other people. Whoever has stolen another person’s wealth, or seized it by force, or has wronged him in any other way, will not have finished with the matter by simply regretting it, giving up the sin and resolving not to do it again. Rather he has to restore those rights. This is a principle on which the fuqaha (jurists) are unanimously agreed. End quote. 

This has to do with material possessions, such as wealth that has been taken by force or by deceit. With regard to intangible rights such as in cases of slander and backbiting, if the person who has been wronged knows about it, then it is essential to apologize to him and ask for his forgiveness. If he does not know, then he should not be told; rather the one who wronged him should pray for him and pray for forgiveness for him, because telling him may upset him and create enmity and hatred between the two. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: According to the saheeh hadeeth (authentic narration): “Whoever has wronged his brother with regard to his blood, his wealth or his honour, let him come and set matters straight before there comes a Day on which there will be no dirhams and no dinars, only good deeds and bad deeds, and if he has good deeds (they will be taken and given to the one whom he wronged), otherwise some of the bad deeds of the one whom he wronged will be taken and added to his burden, then he will be thrown into the Fire.” This has to do with cases where the one who was wronged was aware of it; but if he was gossiped about or slandered and he does not know, then it was said that one of the conditions of repentance is telling him, or it was said that this is not essential, which is the view of the majority; both views were narrated from Ahmad, but his view on such matters is that one should do good deeds for the one who was wronged, such as praying for him, praying for forgiveness for him and doing good deeds to be given to him, to take the place of that backbiting and slander. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: The expiation for gossip is to pray for forgiveness for the person about whom you gossiped. End quote. 

Majmoo’ al-Fatawa. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said, concerning a man who stole money from a slave: 

If he knows the slave or he knows someone who knows him, he can tell him to look for him and give him the money in silver or the equivalent, or whatever he agrees upon with him. If he does not know who he is and he thinks that he will never find him, he should give it or the equivalent in cash to a charity on behalf of its owner. If he finds him after that, he should tell him what he did; if he accepts that, all well and good, but if he objects and demands his money, then he should give it to him, and the money he gave in charity becomes an act of charity on his own behalf. He also has to ask Allah for forgiveness and repent to Him, and pray for the other person.  Fatawa Islamiyyah. 

And Allah knows best.

Source: Islam Q&A, 65649