—exalted is He—

“Whoever does this seeking Allah’s pleasure, We shall grant him a great reward.”

For many people seek reconciliation merely to gain a reputation or to show off. Justice requires enabling the wronged person to obtain redress, then appealing to him to pardon, with the wrongdoer seeking reconciliation with him, and encouraging this. Whenever Allah Most High mentions in the Quran people’s rights whose violation brings sin upon the wrongdoer, He encourages pardon. Thus He, Glorified is He, says:

“And wounds are subject to equal retribution. But whoever waives it as an act of charity, it is an expiation for him.”

And He says:

“The recompense of an evil deed is an evil like it. But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Indeed, He does not love the wrongdoers.”

Anas reported:

“No case involving retribution was ever brought before the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, without his urging pardon.”

Seeking pardon from the wronged person does not require that the wrongdoer stand on his feet and not place his sandals on his head, or observe similar practices to which some people commit themselves. Rather, the condition is that he make himself available so that the other person may obtain his due from him. Once he has enabled the wronged person to obtain his due, he has fulfilled his obligation. The person entitled to redress then has the choice: he may pardon or exact his due.

The wronged person may shun him for three days. After those three days, however, he may no longer shun him on account of the wrong he suffered, because the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“It is not lawful for a Muslim to