Meaning of Al-Afuww
- Al-Afuww embodies the divine quality of pardoning, offering complete forgiveness to the believers.
- It involves not just forgiveness but total obliteration of sins from records.
- The name suggests the vastness of Allah's mercy and the ease with which He can forgive.
- Al-Afuww emphasizes that Allah's forgiveness is given without holding grudges or resentment.
- It also denotes serenity and peace bestowed upon those who are pardoned.
- This attribute encourages believers to follow the path of forgiveness in their interpersonal dealings.
Examples of Al-Afuww
- After realizing a mistake, a person can call upon Al-Afuww seeking Allah's forgiveness for their shortcomings.
- During Laylat al-Qadr, a special prayer often made is "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbu al-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are the Pardoner and You love to pardon, so pardon me).
- In teaching children about the importance of forgiveness, parents can explain the attribute of Al-Afuww and encourage them to forgive others.
Root of Al-Afuww
- The root word for Al-Afuww is 'Afa', which means to erase or eliminate.
- It encompasses the concepts of obliteration and removal of sins.
- The word signifies both oversight and forgiving with ease.
Duahs using Al-Afuww
"O Allah, You are the Pardoner, al-'Afuww, and You love to pardon, so pardon me!" - "ุงูููู ุฅูู ุนูู ุชุญุจ ุงูุนูู ูุงุนู ุนูู"
"O my Lord, grant me Your forgiveness and shield me from all that I fear." - "ูุง ุฑุจู ุฃุนุทูู ู ุบูุฑุชู ู ุงุญูุธูู ู ู ูู ู ุง ุฃุฎุดู"
Mentions of Al-Afuww in Qur'an & Hadith
"...Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving."
Surah An-Nisa, 4:43
"And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring themselves is like a garden on a high ground... Allah is Pardoning whatever He wills."
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:263-265
"O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to forgive, so forgive me."
Sahih al-Bukhari
Reflections & Lessons from Al-Afuww
- True Forgiveness: Practicing forgiveness in our daily lives, inspired by Allah's boundless pardoning nature, can foster peace and compassion.
- Humility and Repentance: Understanding and acknowledging our mistakes while seeking forgiveness cultivates humility and closeness to Allah.
- Encouraging a Forgiving Society: Emulating Al-Afuww encourages societal values of compassion and understanding rather than vengeance.
- Hope and Renewal: Knowing Allah's vast pardon gives hope to start anew and strive for betterment.
Virtues Linked to Al-Afuww
- Expressing the value of being forgiven by Allah enhances one's spiritual relationship with Him.
- Encourages Muslims to embody traits of forgiveness and mercy themselves.
- Promotes mental peace by letting go of grudges and fostering reconciliation.
FAQs: Al-Afuww
What does Al-Afuww mean in terms of forgiveness?
Al-Afuww refers to a complete erasure of sins from one's record, signifying total forgiveness.
How does Al-Afuww differ from Al-Ghafoor?
While both names relate to forgiveness, Al-Afuww suggests a complete obliteration of sins, whereas Al-Ghafoor implies a covering and protection from the consequences of sins.
When is it beneficial to invoke Al-Afuww?
It is particularly meritorious during the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on Laylat al-Qadr, to seek complete pardon from Allah.
How can one embody the attribute of Al-Afuww?
By forgiving others and letting go of grudges, one can attempt to emulate this divine attribute on a personal and communal level.
