The ruling on seeking forgiveness from the family of the girl by the fornicator upon his repentance

The Shaykh:
Their being harmed.

The questioner:
One of the brothers says: Upon repentance, it is obligatory to seek the forgiveness of the one whose right was violated by the repentant person. Does this require informing the girl's family that he committed fornication with her, and asking for their forgiveness and pardon?

The Shaykh:
No, no, that is the intent if he took money from them, or killed, or beat them; that is where seeking forgiveness applies. As for the sin, may Allah protect us, repentance in it is between the servant and his Lord. One does not expose it or publicize its details, nor spread it. Rather, this is between him and Allah: he repents to Allah, seeks His forgiveness, feels remorse, and his remorse is complete, and he resolves and vows not to return to it. The woman is the same. And whoever repents, Allah accepts his repentance. It is not a condition of it to inform her family about it. Yes.