Meaning & Explanation
Al-Halim is the One who is patient and forbearing with sinners, delaying punishment to give them time to repent. Despite witnessing disobedience, He does not hasten to punish. His forbearance is a manifestation of His mercy.
Quran References
3 versesContext: Often paired with Al-Ghafur
وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ
“And Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing”
Context: Allah's forbearance with His servants
وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَعَلِيمٌ حَلِيمٌ
“And indeed, Allah is Knowing and Forbearing”
Context: After the Muslims' mistake at Uhud
إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ
“Indeed Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing”
Exemplifying Story
hadithThe Bedouin Who Urinated in the Masjid
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari
A Bedouin man entered the Prophet's masjid and began urinating in the corner. The Companions jumped up to stop him, angry at this disrespect. But the Prophet ﷺ - embodying Al-Halim's attribute - told them: "Do not interrupt him. Leave him alone." After the man finished, the Prophet ﷺ called him gently and explained: "These masjids are not for urination or filth, but for remembrance of Allah, prayer, and reading Quran." The man was so touched by this forbearance that he said: "O Allah, have mercy on me and Muhammad, and do not have mercy on anyone else!"
Al-Halim's forbearance wins hearts that anger cannot reach. Responding with patience to ignorance is more effective than reacting with rage.