The Difference Between Tawba and Istighfar

Question

What is the difference between tawba (repentance) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness)? If a man and a woman who committed zina have only made tawba and istighfar, should they be shown every kind of respect and honour, greeted with salam and treated well, or should close relations with them be cut off (tark al-muwalat) as a warning?

Answer

In tawba the dominant aspect is remorse for the past together with abstaining in the future, while in istighfar the dominant aspect is [seeking] pardon for the offence. When signs of reform have appeared through tawba and istighfar, close relations should not then be cut off. Yes, if cutting off ties can become a means of reform, then cutting off ties is proper.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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