التواب
AT-TAWWAB
The Ever-Accepting of Repentance
Meaning and Explanation
At-Tawwab comes from the root for repentance/turning in an intensive form; it expresses both the servant's turning to God and God's repeated acceptance of that turning. In Surah Al-Baqarah, this name is mentioned in the context of the acceptance of Prophet Adam's (peace be upon him) repentance (2:37) — humanity's first sin and first repentance become the first concrete example of this name. Commentators emphasize this name's intensive sense to show that even if a person falls into the same mistake repeatedly, the door of repentance does not close.
Traditional Note — Abjad Value
This name's abjad (letter numerical value) calculation is 409.
Letter-by-letter abjad calculation (root "تواب", excluding the definite article): ت (400) + و (6) + ا (1) + ب (2) = 409.
This number is not a religious prescription or a guarantee of any outcome.
This Name in the Quran
2:37
"Adam received words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful" — humanity's first repentance.
110:3
The closing counsel of Surah An-Nasr: "Exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him; indeed, He is ever Accepting of Repentance."
Dhikr Counter
Dhikr Counter
Historical abjad note: this name's abjad value is 409; reciting a specific count carries no religious obligation.
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Dhikr Tradition
Some sources describe reciting At-Tawwab repeatedly while repenting as a traditional practice; no specific count carries a religious obligation in this context.
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 One who repeatedly opens return
At-Tawwab describes God as accepting and enabling return. In Al-Baqarah 2:37, Adam receives words from his Lord and his repentance is accepted. The passage places human failure inside responsibility and renewed guidance rather than inherited hopelessness. Repentance begins with recognition and regret, then asks for a changed direction. Repeating a mistake does not make return meaningless, but it does call for stronger safeguards.
A return that becomes visible
A sincere return may include removing access to a harmful habit, entering treatment, correcting information, or accepting accountability. Words alone cannot protect someone who remains exposed to the same danger. At-Tawwab should not be invoked to pressure a victim to restore trust. The returning person works on conduct; the harmed person retains the right to safety and boundaries.
Other Names
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a person repent again after repeating the same wrong?
Yes, the door of return remains open. Repetition should also prompt a more realistic plan, support, and action to prevent further harm.
Sources
- Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Kur'an Yolu Tefsiri (Bakara 2:37, Nasr 110:3)
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, "Tevvâb" maddesi
- Gazzâlî, el-Maksadü'l-Esnâ, Et-Tevvâb bahsi
- 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: