What does the name Al-Ghaffar mean?

"Al-Ghaffar" means Allah who covers His servants' sins and forgives them again and again.

Is there a difference between Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghafur?

Both express forgiveness. "Ghaffar" emphasizes more the repetition and covering aspect of forgiveness, while "Ghafur" emphasizes its scope and depth.

Al-Asma al-Husna

Who covers sins again and again and forgives abundantly

Arabic

الْغَفَّار

Transliteration: al-Ghaffār
Meaning: "Al-Ghaffar" means the One who covers His servants' sins and forgives them again and again. The root of the word carries the meaning "to cover, to conceal": Allah both forgives sin and covers it without disgracing the servant. However many times sin is repeated, His forgiveness is open to whoever returns with sincere repentance.

«Indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver (Al-Ghaffar) of whoever repents, believes, and does righteous deeds.»

Explanation

Who covers and forgives
"Ghufran" means both to forgive and to cover. Allah conceals His servant's faults from other people and can also forgive them in the Hereafter. The Quran states, "Seek forgiveness from your Lord, for He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver (Ghaffar)" (Surah Nuh, 10).
Repeated forgiveness
The form "Ghaffar" expresses the abundance and continuity of forgiveness. However many mistakes a servant makes, each time they return with sincere repentance, Allah's forgiveness meets them. This name leaves no room for despair.

This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.

QuranSurah Ta-Ha, 82
This verse states that Allah forgives abundantly whoever repents.
QuranSurah Nuh, 10
This verse mentions Allah being "Al-Ghaffar" and seeking His forgiveness.
Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name Al-Ghaffar.

Other Names with closely connected meanings.

Common questions about this Name.

What does the name Al-Ghaffar mean?
"Al-Ghaffar" means Allah who covers His servants' sins and forgives them again and again.
Is there a difference between Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghafur?
Both express forgiveness. "Ghaffar" emphasizes more the repetition and covering aspect of forgiveness, while "Ghafur" emphasizes its scope and depth.