Unwarranted Reproach For A Sin

QUESTION:

About two years ago, I told a girl that I liked her, but I meant it as a joke and did not intend anything inappropriate or sexual. I later found out that she was a minor, and I understood the situation differently then. Other people interpreted what I said negatively and began treating me as though I had intended something much more serious. Even now, some people still mock me and say things like, “People like this never change.” I genuinely did not intend what they accuse me of. What does Islam say about judging someone’s intentions, continuing to mock them over something from the past, and making accusations claiming that the person has not changed? Please advise.

ANSWER:

Please see the link below regarding falsely accusing someone. Furthermore, we advise you to completely ignore such people as you have made sincere Taubah to Allah Ta’ala and shunned the sin. Silence is the best answer to the ignorant ones.

False Accusations And Slander

Furthermore, consider the following Hadith:

عَنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مَنْ عَيَّرَ أَخَاهُ بِذَنْبٍ لَمْ يَمُتْ حَتَّى يَعْمَلَهُ (الترمذي #2505)

Sayyiduna Mu’adh bin Jabal Radhiyallahu Anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Whoever reproaches his brother for a sin, he shall not die until he (himself) commits it.”

(One of the narrators) Ahmad said, “They said, ‘From a sin he has repented from,’.”

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 09 Jumaadal-Ulaa 1448 / 19 October 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb