Meaning & Explanation
Al-'Afuww is the One who pardons sins completely - not just forgiving but erasing them as if they never existed. His pardon goes beyond forgiveness; He wipes away sins and their traces. He loves to pardon and is asked to pardon.
Quran References
2 versesContext: Allah's nature of pardoning
إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا
“Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving”
Context: Affirming Allah's pardoning nature
وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُورٌ
“And indeed, Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving”
Exemplifying Story
hadithThe Dua of Laylatul Qadr
Reference: Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah
Aisha asked the Prophet ﷺ: "O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?" He replied: "Say: Allahumma innaka Afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa'fu anni (O Allah, You are the Pardoner who loves to pardon, so pardon me)." This dua, taught for the most blessed night of the year, focuses on Al-'Afuww's pardon. Not forgiveness (which may leave traces), but complete pardon - erasing sins as if they never occurred. The Prophet ﷺ chose this name for the most important night.
Al-'Afuww loves to pardon completely. The best dua for the best night is asking for His pardon. Ask frequently, and pardon others to earn His pardon.
How to Live By This Name
- 1Pardon others as you hope Allah will pardon you
- 2Frequently ask Allah for His pardon (Afuww)
- 3Let go of grudges and resentment
- 4Overlook the faults of others
Du'a: Allahumma innaka Afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa'fu anni - O Allah, You are the Pardoner who loves to pardon, so pardon me.