Sheikh Khaled El-Gendy, a member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, emphasized that an apology in Islam is not simply a matter of saying that one is sorry.
According to El-Gendy, a genuine apology represents a practical commitment to correcting the mistake and accepting responsibility for its consequences.
He also argued that what may be described as a “free apology” does not reflect the proper approach to wrongdoing because an apology should be followed by meaningful change and correction.
His remarks came during a special episode titled “Generations Dialogue” on the religious program “La'allahom Yafqahoon,” where he discussed the meaning of apology and its proper conduct.
The Story of Moses and Al-Khidr as an Example
El-Gendy referred to the Quranic story of Prophet Moses and Al-Khidr as an example of taking responsibility after making a mistake.
He explained that Moses did not simply offer a verbal apology. Rather, his words were accompanied by a clear commitment not to repeat the same question.
He cited the Quranic statement:
“If I ask you about anything after this, then do not keep me as a companion. You have received an excuse from me.”
El-Gendy said the example illustrates practical responsibility through acknowledging the mistake and committing to avoid repeating it.
What Are the Etiquettes of Apology in Islam?
El-Gendy explained that one important principle of apologizing is allowing the person who was harmed to decide whether to accept or reject the apology.
Acknowledging a mistake does not give the person who made it the right to pressure the affected party into accepting the apology.
Instead, the injured party should be allowed to make that decision freely and without conditions or pressure.
A Genuine Apology Requires Changed Behavior
El-Gendy stressed that repeatedly saying “I am sorry” without changing the behavior does not fulfill the meaning of a genuine apology.
A practical apology, as he described it, includes a commitment not to repeat the mistake, a willingness to accept its consequences and an effort to repair the harm where possible.
The value of an apology therefore depends not only on the words themselves but also on the actions that follow them.
Teaching Children to Admit Their Mistakes
El-Gendy also emphasized the importance of teaching children to acknowledge their mistakes and return to what is right.
He explained that teaching children to apologize should go beyond simply making them say the word “sorry.”
Children should also learn to take responsibility for their actions, correct their mistakes where possible and respect the feelings and rights of others.
These values can help develop relationships based on honesty and responsibility rather than excuses or unnecessary attempts to justify wrongdoing.
What does an apology mean in Islam?
An apology in Islam goes beyond words and involves acknowledging the mistake, correcting it and taking responsibility for its consequences.
What are the main etiquettes of an apology?
They include acknowledging the mistake, committing not to repeat it, accepting its consequences and allowing the affected person to decide whether to accept the apology.
What story involving Moses and Al-Khidr did Khaled El-Gendy mention?
El-Gendy referred to the interaction between Prophet Moses and Al-Khidr, highlighting Moses’ commitment not to repeat the question after apologizing.
Is saying “sorry” enough?
According to El-Gendy, repeating words of regret without changing one’s behavior, correcting the mistake or accepting responsibility does not represent a complete apology.
How can children be taught to apologize properly?
They can be taught to acknowledge mistakes, correct them where possible, return to what is right and respect the affected person’s right to accept or reject the apology.
