Does the supplication for the expiation of the gathering expiate and erase everything said in the gathering, such as engaging in idle talk, backbiting, and the like?

Question:
May Allah reward you with good and do you well. Does the supplication for the expiation of the gathering expiate and erase everything said in the gathering, such as engaging in idle talk, saying sinful things like backbiting people, and the like? Or what is the case? We thank you. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
The seeking of forgiveness is an expiation for the gathering, as came in the hadith, but it is not an excuse for everything that happens in the gathering. However, if we return to the saying of Allah the Exalted , then this specifies the forgiveness to the minor sins that occur in the gathering. As for major sins, such as backbiting, repentance is necessary, and so is the forgiveness of the person whose honor was spoken about while he was absent. This makes it clearer that the expiation is only for the minor sins that occur in the gathering. As for major sins, the forgiveness of the one whose honor was violated is necessary, and seeking forgiveness is repentance. In truth, if the seeking of forgiveness comes from a present heart and a good intention, it is repentance, and through repentance Allah forgives sins, both minor and major. But if these sins involve created beings and the rights of created beings, then they must forgive and pardon them. Yes.