A man went to perform ‘Umrah and saw a girl during Sa‘y (going back and forth between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah). Attracted to her, he availed himself of the crowd and lustfully stuck his member towards her back. Afterwards, he repented to Allaah and showed regret for his crime. Will his repentance be accepted? He heard about the huge risk of committing transgression in Al-Bayt Al-Haram and fears that Allaah might be angry with him. Now he began to maintain the prayers with care and asks Allaah to keep him firm (on the truth). Is there any expiation for what he did? What is your advice?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Indeed, this man has committed a shameful and hideous evil. However, since he repented to Allaah, then Allaah will accept his repentance (Allaah willing). Verily, Allaah promised those who repent and are true to their repentance that He will forgive them and pardon their misdeeds. In confirmation, Allaah Almighty says (what means): {And it is He Who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.} [Quran 42:25]

He has to do a great deal of good deeds because the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, “…And let the good deed follow the evil deed so that the former would erase the latter.” Allaah Almighty also says in this respect (what means): {…Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds…} [Quran 11:114]

If this act led to ejaculation of semen, then a ransom is due on that man because he committed one of the acts that are prohibited in Ihram (ritual state of consecration).

Allaah Knows best.