الغفار
AL-GHAFFAR
The Ever-Forgiving, who forgives again and again without limit
Meaning and Explanation
Al-Ghaffar shares the same root ("ghafr") as Al-Ghafur, but the grammatical form differs: Al-Ghafur is an intensive adjective meaning "much-forgiving," while Al-Ghaffar uses the "fa''al" pattern, which emphasizes repetition and continuity — that even if a servant repeats a sin, God's forgiveness is likewise repeated. It appears alongside Al-'Aziz in Sad 38:66, and in Ta-Ha 20:82 in the first person directly ("Indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents, believes, does righteousness, and then remains guided") — this verse presents forgiveness not as unconditional, but tied to a sequence of repentance, faith, righteous deeds, and staying guided. In Az-Zumar 39:5 it is mentioned immediately after the proof of creation.
Traditional Note — Abjad Value
This name's abjad (letter numerical value) calculation is 1281.
Letter-by-letter abjad calculation (root "غفار", excluding the definite article): غ (1000) + ف (80) + ا (1) + ر (200) = 1281.
This number is not a religious prescription or a guarantee of any outcome.
This Name in the Quran
Dhikr Counter
Dhikr Counter
Historical abjad note: this name's abjad value is 1281; reciting a specific count carries no religious obligation.
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Dhikr Tradition
Some sources describe reciting Al-Ghaffar with the intention of not falling into despair over a recurring sin or habit, recalling that God's forgiveness is likewise repeated, as a traditional practice; no specific count (including 1281) carries a religious obligation.
Remembrance (dhikr) through the beautiful names is a foundational act of worship in Islam. However, reciting a name a specific number of times (based on its abjad value) or at a specific day/time carries no religious obligation, and scholars are not unanimous on this point — some accept it as a traditional practice, others hold it has no basis in the primary sources. The information on this page does not constitute religious ruling.
Understanding This Name
Forgiveness again and again
Al-Ghaffar intensifies the meaning of forgiveness and can emphasize its repeated abundance. Ta-Ha 20:82 joins forgiveness with repentance, faith, righteous action, and continuing in guidance. The sequence is important: hope is not detached from a changed path. Repeated failure does not require despair, but it does require honest attention to why the behavior keeps returning.
Hope that protects other people's rights
A person invoking Al-Ghaffar should not hide behind private devotion while leaving another person's loss unrepaired. Money, reputation, and safety may need restitution or formal accountability. In addictions and compulsions, treatment and practical barriers can support repentance. The harmed person is not required to restore trust simply because the offender says they have repented.
Other Names
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the practical difference between Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghafur?
Both express abundant divine forgiveness. Scholars discuss shades of intensity and repetition, but neither name should be reduced to a rigid numerical formula.
Sources
- Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Kur'an Yolu Tefsiri (Sâd 38:66, Tâ-Hâ 20:82)
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, "Gaffâr" maddesi
- Gazzâlî, el-Maksadü'l-Esnâ fî Şerhi Esmâillâhi'l-Hüsnâ
- English Translation — Noor International Center (v1.1.2)
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam — Esmâ-i Hüsnâ — in Turkish
- Diyanet High Council of Religious Affairs — The 99 Names of God — in Turkish
Prepared by: Kadir Özbek · Updated: