Somone asked: If someone committed molestation when he was a teenager. After some time he realised that he has done extremely wrong. Now he is in stress that should he ask the victim for forgiveness. This would cause more problems. Even not asking forgiveness also disturbs him, like on the Day of Judgement he may have nothing left and all virtues will be taken. So what would be the point of doing more good? Also, not asking forgiveness disturbs him because the victim may make dua against him and the Du`a of the victim is accepted by Allah. Sheikh, please answer accordingly.
In this fatwa:
Islam teaches that sincere repentance requires remorse, abandoning the sin, and resolving never to return to it. If contacting the victim would cause additional harm, the offender should seek Allah’s forgiveness, respect the victim’s well-being, and focus on genuine reform and making amends through righteous actions.
Harming a child, especially through abuse or molestation, is one of Islam’s gravest sins. It violates divine law and the sacred trust of innocence. The offender must immediately stop such behavior, leave any environment with children or vulnerable people, and take active steps to prevent future harm.
Despite the severity, the door of divine mercy stays open: “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins” (Az-Zumar 39:53). True Tawbah requires:
- Genuine remorse for the wrongdoing.
- Immediate cessation of the harmful act.
- A firm resolve never to return to it. This means a deep internal change and visible transformation beyond mere words.
Islam upholds the rights of victims, focusing on their dignity, safety, and emotional well-being. Forgiveness from the victim is only advisable if it won’t cause further harm or trauma. If contact could hurt the victim, the offender must seek Allah’s forgiveness while respecting the victim’s boundaries. Remember the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) warning: “The supplication of the oppressed is never rejected.” This highlights the deeper repentance needed when others are wronged.
A sincere penitent must:
- Implement personal safeguards to prevent reoffending.
- Seek psychological and spiritual counseling.
- Perform many good deeds, especially for vulnerable communities.
- Regularly renew repentance and deepen humility before God.
- Engage in charity and service as part of moral repair.
While Islam emphasizes divine mercy, it also champions justice. Forgiveness from Allah depends on sincere repentance, yet the rights of victims remain binding. Spiritual healing requires taking responsibility, ensuring safety for others, and striving to make genuine amends.
