الوهاب

AL-WAHHAB

The Bestower, giving continuously without expecting return

Meaning and Explanation

Al-Wahhab comes from the root for an unconditional gift, in an intensive form; close to Al-Karim but distinct in emphasizing that what is given is not part of any exchange, but entirely without return. In Surah Aal-e-Imran, it appears in the believers' prayer: "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate... and grant us from Yourself mercy; indeed, You are the Bestower" — what is asked for here is not material, but the heart remaining steadfast on the right path.

Traditional Note — Abjad Value

This name's abjad (letter numerical value) calculation is 14.

Letter-by-letter abjad calculation (root "وهاب", excluding the definite article): و (6) + ه (5) + ا (1) + ب (2) = 14.

This number is not a religious prescription or a guarantee of any outcome.

This Name in the Quran

3:8

The believers' prayer: "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy; indeed, You are the Bestower."

38:9

Surah Sad's question: "Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?"

Dhikr Counter

Historical abjad note: this name's abjad value is 14; reciting a specific count carries no religious obligation.

0 / 33

Dhikr Tradition

Some sources describe reciting Al-Wahhab while praying for the heart's steadfastness and staying on the right path, as a traditional practice; no specific count (including 14) 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

The Bestower in a prayer for steady hearts

Aal Imran 3:8 asks God not to let hearts deviate after guidance and to bestow mercy, naming Him Al-Wahhab. The gift sought is not first material gain but steadfastness and mercy. This context broadens how the name is understood. Gifts include guidance, insight, relationship, and opportunity, none of which becomes a possession independent of the Giver.

Receiving and giving without entitlement

A gift cannot be demanded as a debt. Reflecting on Al-Wahhab encourages prayer with humility and human generosity without hidden leverage. Parents, donors, and institutions should not use giving to control conscience or erase another person's consent. The name is not a formula for fertility, wealth, or a specific appointment; such outcomes cannot be guaranteed by repetition.

Other Names

Al-Karim Ash-Shakur

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gift is requested with Al-Wahhab in Aal Imran 3:8?

The verse asks for mercy and steadfast hearts after guidance, showing that divine gifts are not limited to material provision.

Sources

Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Kur'an Yolu Tefsiri (Âl-i İmrân 3:8, Sâd 38:9)
TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, "Vehhâb" 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: July 13, 2026