A dispute arose between me and some of my relatives, and I was the one in the wrong, so they cut off contact with me for two years. After that, reconciliation took place, but I noticed that they do not visit me at my home, and there is still some resentment in their hearts.

The questioner : A dispute arose between me and some of my relatives, and I was the one in the wrong, so they cut off contact with me for two years. After that, reconciliation took place, but I noticed that they do not visit me at my home, and there is still some resentment in their hearts. What do you advise me to do? I am aware that I regret what happened on my part. Please guide me, O honorable Shaykh?

The Shaykh : What we advise you to do is try to remove the ill will they hold toward you. Do this by visiting them frequently, inviting them to your home, honoring them in your home, or giving them gifts that dispel resentment, or by other means of fostering affection and removing coldness. This is an easy matter for one whom Allah makes it easy for. However, do not dig up the past or investigate it. Consider yourself a person of the present, because looking into the past leads to conflict and renewed confusion, as is proven and observed. But if one forgets the past and starts his life anew in his dealings with these people, it will be completely resolved, if Allah wills.

The questioner : May Allah bless you.