---
To err is human. It is through
sincere Tawbah (repentance to Allah) that Allah forgives all sins. For Tawbah
to be sincere, a person should regret, give up and be determined not to return
to all the sins which they had committed, out of showing fear of Allah
(Glorified be He) and glorification, while hoping for His forgiveness. If a
person's sin is related to the rights of other people like robbing them,
usurping them, falsely accusing them while they are chaste, beating them,
insulting them or backbiting them, they have to return their rights to them or
ask them to discharge them of responsibility and forgive. In case of
backbiting, when it is impossible to ask the backbitten person for forgiveness,
the sinner is required to make Du`a' (supplication) for the one whom they have
backbitten. They should mention their good characteristics and good deeds at
the very places where they used to backbite that person. There is no need to
inform them of that Ghibah if they fear falling into greater evil.
Selected from: Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Volume 24, Book on Tafsir, under 92- Explanation of the Ayah whose
meanings say: (Except the small faults), Part No. 24; Page No. 287
https://www.alifta.gov.sa/En/IftaContents/IbnBaz/Pages/FatawaDetails.aspx?View=Page&PageID=4800&CultStr=en&PageNo=1&NodeID=1&BookID=14
