Meaning & Explanation
Al-Karim is the One whose generosity knows no bounds. He gives without being asked, forgives without being begged, and honors without condition. His generosity encompasses all of creation, giving far more than what is deserved or requested.
Quran References
2 versesContext: Reminding mankind of Allah's generosity
يَا أَيُّهَا الْإِنسَانُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ الْكَرِيمِ
“O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous?”
Context: Sulayman acknowledging Allah's generosity
هَٰذَا مِن فَضْلِ رَبِّي
“This is from the favor of my Lord”
Exemplifying Story
hadithThe Prophet's Generosity Reflecting Al-Karim
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibreel would meet him. Ibn Abbas said: "The Prophet ﷺ was more generous than the wind sent forth." He never said "no" to anyone who asked. Once a man came asking for help, and the Prophet ﷺ had nothing to give. He promised to give him from what would come. A companion offered to cover it immediately. The Prophet ﷺ embodied the generosity of Al-Karim - giving freely, abundantly, and without hesitation.
Al-Karim's generosity should inspire us to give freely without fear of poverty. The more we give for Allah's sake, the more Al-Karim replaces it with better.