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Do I Need to Apologise for Past Wrongs in Islam?

10 October, 2026
Q I had a question regarding apologising to a person (whether Muslim or non-Muslim). I believe that in the past, I may have wronged or disrespected some individuals, and on a few occasions, I may have bullied others. However, I always ended up getting along with and speaking to these individuals afterwards, even after those incidents occurred. Some of these incidents happened when I was quite young—around the age of 12. For example, there was a time when I kicked someone after something happened between us (though I can't remember whose fault it was), another time when I nearly got into a fight, and once when I made a joke about someone's accent, which they thought was racist. I believe I apologised for most of these situations, but I can't remember for sure if I did. Now that years have passed, I feel that going back to apologise again might seem strange or confusing, especially since I no longer speak to most of these people due to things like moving schools and growing up. I know there are some hadiths about making amends when you've wronged someone, but I'm unsure if they apply to my situation. I also wanted to ask whether the ruling would be different if the person I disrespected in the past was a non-mahram woman (verbally, at school)—would I still need to apologise directly in that case? I genuinely feel remorse and regularly ask Allah for forgiveness, but I'm unsure if I need to do anything further. JazakAllahu khayran for your time and guidance.

Answer

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
10 October, 2026

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

In this fatwa:

How to Seek Forgiveness for Past Wrongs in Islam

  1. Sincerely repent to Allah for the wrongdoing.
  2. Feel genuine remorse and resolve not to repeat it.
  3. Apologise to the person when possible and appropriate.
  4. Return money or property and compensate for outstanding rights.
  5. Pray for those you have harmed.
  6. Increase good deeds and treat others with kindness.

Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

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Do I Need to Apologise for Past Wrongs in Islam?

In Islam, we are encouraged to seek forgiveness from anyone we may have wronged—whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim—when it is possible, safe, and appropriate. If many years have passed, people have moved on, or contact is no longer feasible, sincere repentance to Allah is sufficient. Additionally, doing whatever you can to compensate and make amends is also adequate. Praying for those we have wronged and increasing our good deeds can help erase past mistakes and promote healing in our hearts.

When Is an Apology Necessary in Islam?

  • If the harm involved money or property, you should attempt to return it or compensate the individual if you can locate them. If you cannot find them or their descendants, you should give the equivalent amount in charity on their behalf.
  • If the harm was verbal or emotional and did not cause lasting damage, and you cannot contact the person, then sincere repentance, regret, and asking Allah for forgiveness are sufficient.
  • Praying for the person you may have hurt is a valid way to seek forgiveness when direct contact is not possible.

Should You Apologise to a Non-Mahram Woman in Islam?

Apologizing to a non-mahram woman you once disrespected is commendable, provided it is done in a safe, respectful, and appropriate manner. However, if reaching out could lead to confusion, discomfort, or misunderstandings, it is better not to contact her. Instead, focus on repenting to Allah and making du’a on her behalf.

How Can You Seek Forgiveness for Past Mistakes in Islam?

  • If reconnecting after many years could lead to awkwardness or suspicion, it is wiser to refrain from reaching out.
  • Concentrate on sincere repentance, increase your good deeds, and ask Allah to forgive anyone you may have harmed.
  • Commit to living with kindness, humility, and gentleness; this is the best way to repair the past and bring peace to your heart.

Islam teaches that feeling remorse for past mistakes is a sign of sincere repentance. Mistakes made in youth are often forgiven when followed by genuine change. May Allah forgive your past, ease your heart, and guide you toward goodness and compassion.

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Almighty Allah knows best.