How Can I Mend Someone Else’s Broken Heart?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

If you break someone’s heart, is it possible to be forgiven by Allah and fix the relationship? If it is possible, how?

Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible to be forgiven by Allah after hurting another, and one should take steps to repent sincerely and not repeat such behavior.

Hurting someone

It is unclear to me whether this person was hurt through an illicit relationship or not. If it was illicit, one should not contact them or seek forgiveness from them, as cutting them off altogether is better. If it were not an illicit relationship but a friend, I would suggest that you make an apology, give them a gift, or give charity on their behalf and fix your behavior in the future. Making dua for them is also a good habit and an essential step in purifying the heart.

Character of Muslim

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us how Muslims are expected to behave: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe, and a Muhajir (Emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allah has forbidden.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

And he said, “O Abu Hurairah, be cautious, and you will be the most devoted of people to Allah. Be content, and you will be the most grateful of people to Allah. Love for people what you love for yourself, and you will be a (true) believer. Be a good neighbor to your neighbors, and you will be a (true) Muslim. And laugh little, for laughing a lot deadens the heart.” [Ibn Maja]

Please see these links as well:

• I Have Hurt People before and after Puberty
• What Should I Do After Having Played With the Feelings of Someone?
• Am I Sinful for Unintentionally Hurting the Feelings of My Parents?
• What If I Fear Punishment Rather Than Feel Bad for Hurting Someone?
• Finding Allah with the Broken Hearted – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani – UK Tour 2013
• Will I Be Punished for Ending an Online Relationship and Hurting Someone?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.