Al-Asma al-Husna
Al-Ghafur: meaning, transliteration and explanation
The one who covers and forgives sins abundantly
- Appears in the Quran
- Published:
- Updated:
- #Al-Ghafur meaning
- #what does Ghafur mean
- #the 99 Names of Allah
- #the Beautiful Names of Allah
Arabic
الْغَفُور
- Transliteration
- al-Ghafūr
- Meaning
- Al-Ghafur means the one who covers and forgives His servants' sins abundantly. This name conveys the breadth and depth of forgiveness: however great it may be, Allah forgives the sin of one who returns with sincere repentance, and does not disgrace him.
In the Quran
«Say: "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the Forgiving (Ghafur), the Merciful (Rahim)."»
Surah Az-Zumar, 53Explanation
There is no room for despair
One of the most hopeful verses of the Quran speaks of this name: "Do not despair of the mercy of Allah; Allah forgives all sins" (Az-Zumar, 53). However many the sins, the door of repentance remains open.
Forgiveness together with repentance
Allah's being Ghafur does not mean indifference to sin; this mercy is manifested together with sincere repentance, remorse and reform. A person who knows this name both feels hopeful and hastens to repent.
Sources
This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.
- QuranSurah Az-Zumar, 53
Allah forgiving all sins and being Ghafur is stated in this verse.
Allah's being Ghafur and Rahim occurs in this verse.
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name Ghafur.
Related Names
Other Names with closely connected meanings.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Name.
What does the name Al-Ghafur mean?
Al-Ghafur means Allah who covers and forgives His servants' sins abundantly.Is every sin forgiven?
The Quran states, "Allah forgives all sins" (Az-Zumar, 53). This is manifested together with sincere repentance; the door of repentance always remains open.