Al-Afuww

What does Al-Afuww mean?

Al-Afuww is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Pardoner," "The Effacer of sins". It expresses a forgiveness even deeper than ghufran: while forgiveness (maghfirah) covers and conceals the sin, pardon (afw) erases it entirely — removing its trace so completely that it is as if it never happened, and even removing it from the records.

The Meaning in Depth

The root of afw conveys effacement and complete removal. Al-Afuww does not merely veil a sin from punishment; He blots it out altogether, out of His pure grace. This is why the most beloved supplication of Laylat al-Qadr asks specifically for afw: the Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha to say, "O Allah, You are Pardoning (Afuww) and love to pardon, so pardon me" (Tirmidhi 3513). To love pardon is itself one of Allah's qualities, and He loves those who pardon others.

Al-Afuww in the Quran

• "...Then indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving (Afuwwan Ghafura)." (4:43)
• "...Those — perhaps Allah will pardon them, and Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving." (4:99)
• "...And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love that Allah should forgive you?" (24:22)

Living by This Name

Al-Afuww is a fountain of hope: not only does God forgive, He erases sins entirely for the one who turns to Him. The believer asks Al-Afuww abundantly, especially in Ramadan and on Laylat al-Qadr, with the beloved dua of pardon. It also inspires the believer to pardon others — to overlook wrongs and let go of grudges, for Allah loves the pardoning, and "would you not love that Allah should pardon you?" (24:22).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between maghfirah (forgiveness) and afw (pardon)?

Maghfirah (from Al-Ghafur) means to cover and conceal the sin, shielding from punishment. Afw (from Al-Afuww) is deeper: it erases the sin entirely, removing its very trace as if it never occurred. Asking for afw is asking for the most complete form of being relieved of sin.

Why is the dua of Laylat al-Qadr focused on Al-Afuww?

The Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha to ask on the Night of Power: "O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me" (Tirmidhi 3513). On the greatest night of the year, the believer seeks not just forgiveness but complete pardon — the total effacement of sins by Al-Afuww.