The difference between tawba and istighfar; severing relations with an adulterer and adulteress

Question

What is the difference between repentance (tawba) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar)? If an adulterer and an adulteress have only made tawba and istighfar, should they be shown every kind of respect and honour, salam and good treatment, or should ties of friendship (muwalat) with them be broken off as a warning?

Answer

In tawba the aspect of remorse for the past together with abstaining in the future predominates, while in istighfar the aspect of pardon for the offence predominates. When signs of reform become apparent through tawba and istighfar, ties of friendship should not be broken off. However, if severing relations can become a means of reform, then severing relations is in order.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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