Exploring the Names and Attributes of Allah: Al-Ghafur, Al-Ghaffar, and Al-Ghafir
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How Allah is the Most Forgiving, Oft-Forgiving
Post #1
Al-Ghafur, Al-Ghaffar, Al-Ghafir. These three names refer to Allah’s forgiveness. The name Al-Ghafir means the Forgiver, while the names Al-Ghafur and Al-Ghaffar are more emphatic, indicating that Allah is most forgiving, oft-forgiving.
Taken together, these three names occur in the Quran ninety-eight times.
Allah says:
Announce, (O Muhammad) to My slaves that verily I am the Forgiving, the Merciful. (15: 49)
I am Forgiving to those who repent and believe and do good, and afterward follow right guidance. (20: 82)
In one instance, the Quran refers to Allah as being “the best of those who forgive” when relating where Moses offers the following supplication:
You are our Protector: so forgive us and give us Your mercy; for you are the best of those who forgive. (7: 155)
Al-Ghafur, Al-Ghaffar, and Al-Ghafir are names for Allah that emphasize His forgiveness. Al-Ghafir means “the Forgiver,” while Al-Ghafur and Al-Ghaffar highlight His abundant and frequent forgiveness. These names appear ninety-eight times in the Quran. Verses such as 15:49 and 20:82 affirm Allah’s readiness to forgive those who repent, believe, and follow guidance. Additionally, in 7:155, Allah is described as “the best of those who forgive” in Moses’ supplication.
Post #2
Allah mentions the claim of the Christians who say:
Indeed Allah is one of three.
In the very next verse, Allah says:
Will they not turn to Allah and ask His forgiveness? For Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (5: 74)
Allah speaks about those who persecuted the believers of the past, saying:
Surely (as for) those who persecute believing men and women, then do not repent, they shall have the chastisement of Hell, and they shall have the chastisement of burning. (85: 10)
1. Christians claim that Allah is part of a trinity, but in the following verse, Allah invites them to seek forgiveness, emphasizing His mercy and readiness to forgive (5:74).
2. Allah warns of severe punishment for those who persecute believing men and women unless they repent, stating they will face the torment of Hell and burning (85:10).
Post #3
As for those who turn to Allah in sincere repentance, Allah will turn to them in forgiveness. Allah calls all the polytheists, sinners, and transgressors to seek His forgiveness and declares to them that the doors to His mercy are wide open:
O My servants who have transgressed against their souls! Do not despair of Allah’s mercy, for Allah forgives all sins. He is Forgiving, Most Merciful. (39: 53)
This verse affirms for us that Allah forgives all sins, without exception. Allah is willing to forgive even polytheism and unbelief, as long as the perpetrator renounces such falsehoods and sincerely repents.
In last week’s post we read about the verses that emphasise that Allah is ever-forgiving and merciful, inviting even the greatest sinners, including polytheists and transgressors, to seek His forgiveness. It reassures that no sin is beyond Allah’s mercy if one sincerely repents, reaffirming that Allah forgives all sins without exception, provided the person renounces wrongdoing and turns to Him.
Post #4
Allah forgives whom He pleases. Allah makes it clear that His forgiveness is determined by his will.
Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives other than that for whomever he pleases. (4: 48)
This is with respect to those who believe in Allah and adhere to His guidance. If they perpetrate a sin or transgression, whether great or small, Allah has decreed that He can forgive that sin if He pleases or punish its perpetrator as He pleases.
In last week’s post we read about – Allah’s forgiveness is based on His will. He does not forgive the act of associating partners with Him but may forgive other sins for whomever He pleases. For believers who follow His guidance, if they commit sins, whether big or small, Allah has the authority to forgive them or punish them as He wills.
Post #5
It is affirmed in the Sunnah that Allah calls forth during the last third of the night, saying:
Is there anyone beseeching me, so I can give? Are any seeking my forgiveness, so I can forgive them? Are there any penitent people for me to pardon? Is anyone calling me so I can answer? (Sahih al-Bukhari (1145) and Sahih Muslim (758))
This is an example of Allah’s generosity and boundless favor. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) relates that Allah says:
O child of Adam! However much you beseech Me and place your hopes in Me, I will forgive you without any reservation. O child of Adam! If you have sins piling up to the clouds and then ask My forgiveness, I will forgive you without any reservation. O child of Adam! If you come to me with enough mistakes to fill the Earth, and meet Me without associating anything as a partner with Me, I will come to you with enough forgiveness to fill the Earth. (Sahih Muslim (2687))
Allah refers to Himself as the Oft-Forgiving because He created us knowing that our natures would make us prone to sin, and that we would seek His forgiveness and He would forgive us.