How Can You Repair Trust After Violating Someone’s Privacy?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I suspect a female family member of committing zina and found intimate items in her room. Out of suspicion, I checked a website using the email of the person I thought she was involved with, and may have unintentionally created an account. I now feel deep regret and fear that this may cause harm or be traced back to me. What should I do?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
You have acted from suspicion and concern, but your actions have consequences that need careful reflection, rectification, and repentance. Seeking guidance and feeling regret is a significant step toward doing the right thing and the road to repentance.
The very fact that you regret is a sure sign of repentance. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Remorse is repentance.” [Ibn Maja; Hakim]
Encourage a Good Environment
If you genuinely believe she is at spiritual or emotional risk, encourage a healthy environment and mutual trust, not control or shame. For example, write an anonymous email, help note, etc. Also, ensure she is surrounded by good company and facilitate her engagement in positive activities, which will, in time, help put her on the right path.
Cease Investigations
Cease all investigations. Delete or disengage from accessed accounts. Do not accuse anyone of zina without the Quranic requirement of four witnesses.
Sincerely make tawba: regret, stop, and resolve never to repeat. Avoid sharing suspicions; this can lead to slander (buhtan).
I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
- What Is the Ruling on Spying and Suspicion?
- How Should a Muslim Conceal the Faults of Others?
- Beware of Suspicion – SeekersGuidance
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
