العَفُوُّ
Al-'Afuww
"The Forgiver"
Meaning in English
The Forgiver
Meaning in Urdu
معاف کرنے والا
Explanation
Al-Afuww is the Pardoner, the Effacer of sins. While Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiver) covers the sin so others do not see it, Al-Afuww completely erases the sin from the record as if it never happened. "Afuww" literally means the wind that blows across the desert, completely erasing the footprints. On the Day of Judgment, a pardoned sin will not even be mentioned or questioned.
Virtues & Benefits
This is the specific name to invoke on Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree). Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet ﷺ what to say if she caught the night. He said: "Allahumma innaka Afuwwun, tuhibbul-afwa, fa'fu anni" (O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me).
Quranic Reference
Surah An-Nisa (4:149)
إِن تُبْدُوا خَيْرًا أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ أَوْ تَعْفُوا عَن سُوءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا قَدِيرًا
"If [instead] you show [some] good or conceal it or pardon an offense - indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Competent." - Surah An-Nisa (4:149)
Practical Lessons
- Beg for "Afaf" (pardon) so your sins are completely wiped from your record.
- Pardon people who wrong you; Allah loves to pardon those who pardon others.
- Recite the du'a of Laylatul Qadr frequently, especially in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
- Do not hold grudges; let the wind of forgiveness wipe away the footprints of pain.