Explanation
Meaning of Al-‘Afuww (ٱلْعَفُوُّ)
The name Al-‘Afuww (ٱلْعَفُوُّ) is one of the beautiful names (Asma’ul Husna) of ALLAH and carries a profound meaning in Islamic theology. Below is a detailed explanation of this name along with its Quranic context and significance.
Linguistic and Theological Meaning
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Etymology:
The name Al-‘Afuww is derived from the Arabic root ع-ف-و (ʿa-f-w), which means to pardon, forgive, and erase sins completely. It conveys the idea of forgiving without holding grudges or punishment. Unlike mere forgiveness (maghfirah), ʿafw implies a complete erasure of sins as if they never happened. -
Distinction from Other Names of Forgiveness:
ALLAH has multiple names related to forgiveness, including:- Al-Ghaffār (The Constant Forgiver) – Emphasizing frequent forgiveness.
- Al-Ghafūr (The Great Forgiver) – Highlighting the vastness of ALLAH’s forgiveness.
- At-Tawwāb (The Accepter of Repentance) – Focusing on accepting those who return to Him.
- Al-‘Afuww (The Pardoner) – Signifying the complete erasure of sins as if they never existed.
While Al-Ghafūr and Al-Ghaffār indicate concealing sins, Al-‘Afuww goes further by wiping them out completely, leaving no trace.
Significance in Islamic Thought
(1) The Ultimate Eraser of Sins
- Unlike human forgiveness, which often carries lingering consequences, ALLAH’s pardon as Al-‘Afuww removes all traces of sin.
- This means that when ALLAH pardons, the sin is completely erased as if it never happened.
- This offers immense hope to believers who sincerely repent.
(2) Encouragement to Seek Forgiveness
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ALLAH encourages His servants to seek His pardon, especially during blessed nights like Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree).
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The Prophet ﷺ taught this famous supplication to recite during this night:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O ALLAH, You are Pardoning, and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
(Hadith – Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) -
This shows that ALLAH‘s pardon is not just an act of mercy but a quality that He loves to bestow.
(3) The Connection Between Pardon and Power
- The verse (4:149) states:
“…indeed, ALLAH is ever Pardoning and Competent.”- This reminds us that ALLAH’s ability to pardon stems from His ultimate power.
- Unlike humans, who forgive due to weakness or inability to take revenge, ALLAH pardons out of supreme authority and mercy.
Practical Lessons from Al-‘Afuww
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Never Lose Hope in ALLAH’s Mercy
- No matter how great the sin, ALLAH can completely erase it through sincere repentance.
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Develop a Habit of Seeking Forgiveness
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would seek ALLAH’s forgiveness over 70 times a day (Hadith – Bukhari).
- We should regularly ask for ‘Afw in our prayers, especially during Ramadan.
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Pardon Others as ALLAH Pardons Us
- Just as we seek ALLAH’s pardon, we should forgive others without holding grudges.
- The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of people are those who are the most forgiving.” (Hadith – Ahmad)
Final Reflections
The name Al-‘Afuww reflects ALLAH’s immense mercy, showing that He does not just forgive but completely erases sins. The Quran repeatedly assures believers that ALLAH loves to pardon and that no sin is too great for His forgiveness.
By understanding Al-‘Afuww, we strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and strive to embody His qualities by being forgiving toward others.
May ALLAH, Al-‘Afuww, grant us His complete pardon and make us among those who forgive and are forgiven. Ameen.
Quran References
The name Al-ʿAfuww is mentioned explicitly in the Quran in several places, and its meaning is also reflected in numerous verses that describe ALLAH’s (سبحانه وتعالى) attribute of forgiveness and pardon. Below are some of the key Quranic references:
Surah An-Nisa (4:43)
Arabic:
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَعْلَمُوا۟ مَا تَقُولُونَ وَلَا جُنُبًا إِلَّا عَابِرِى سَبِيلٍ حَتَّىٰ تَغْتَسِلُوا۟ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰٓ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَآءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ ٱلْغَآئِطِ أَوْ لَٰمَسْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا۟ مَآءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا۟ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَٱمْسَحُوا۟ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُمْۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا
Translation:
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janābah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women [i.e., had sexual intercourse] and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, ALLAH is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
Explanation:
This verse instructs believers not to approach prayer while intoxicated until they can fully comprehend their words. It also emphasizes the necessity of purification after major impurity (janābah) before engaging in prayer. However, an exception is made for those merely passing through a place of prayer. If water is unavailable due to illness, travel, or other circumstances, believers are permitted to perform tayammum (dry purification) using clean earth. This highlights the flexibility and ease in Islamic rulings on purification. The verse reassures that Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving. His mercy ensures that worship remains accessible to all believers.
Surah An-Nisa (4:99):
Arabic:
فَأُولَٰئِكَ عَسَى اللَّهُ أَن يَعْفُوَ عَنْهُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا
Translation:
“For those, ALLAH may pardon them, and ALLAH is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.”
Explanation:
Here, the name Al-ʿAfuww is explicitly mentioned alongside Al-Ghafoor, highlighting ALLAH’s attribute of completely pardoning and effacing the sins of His servants. This verse reassures believers of ALLAH’s boundless mercy and willingness to forgive.
Surah Al-Hajj (22:60):
Arabic:
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَنْ عَاقَبَ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبَ بِهِۦ ثُمَّ بُغِىَ عَلَيْهِ لَيَنصُرَنَّهُ ٱللَّهُۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُورٌ
Translation:
That [is so]. And whoever responds [to injustice] with the equivalent of that with which he was harmed and then is tyrannized – Allah will surely aid him. Indeed, Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving.
Explanation:
This verse assures that those who defend themselves with equal retaliation against injustice and then face further oppression will receive Allah’s support. It highlights the right to justice while discouraging excessive revenge. Allah’s attributes of pardon and forgiveness remind believers to practice restraint and mercy whenever possible. This balance between justice and compassion reflects divine wisdom.
Surah Al-Imran (3:155):
Arabic:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوْا مِنكُمْ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ إِنَّمَا اسْتَزَلَّهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ بِبَعْضِ مَا كَسَبُوا ۖ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ
Translation:
“Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met [at Uhud]—it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But ALLAH has already forgiven them. Indeed, ALLAH is Forgiving and Forbearing.”
Explanation:
In this verse, ALLAH is described as having forgiven the believers for their mistake during the Battle of Uhud. The use of the word ʿafa (عَفَا) directly relates to His name Al-ʿAfuww, highlighting His willingness to pardon His servants..
Surah An-Nur (24:22):
Arabic:
وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Translation:
“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that ALLAH should forgive you? And ALLAH is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Explanation:
This verse encourages believers to forgive others, reminding them of ALLAH’s attribute of forgiveness. The connection between human forgiveness and divine forgiveness reflects the essence of the name Al-ʿAfuww.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:52):
Arabic:
ثُمَّ عَفَوْنَا عَنكُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Translation:
“Then We forgave you after that so perhaps you would be grateful.”
Explanation:
This verse refers to ALLAH’s forgiveness of the Children of Israel after they worshipped the calf. The word ʿafawna (عَفَوْنَا) is used, which is directly related to the name Al-ʿAfuww, emphasizing His ability to pardon and erase sins.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187):
Arabic:
كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ
Translation:
“Thus does ALLAH make clear His verses to the people that they may become righteous.”
Explanation:
While this verse does not explicitly mention the name Al-ʿAfuww, it is part of a passage that discusses ALLAH’s mercy and guidance, which are closely tied to His attribute of forgiveness. It reminds believers of His readiness to guide and pardon those who seek His pleasure.