الْكَرِيمُ
Al-Karim
"The Generous"
Meaning in English
The Generous
Meaning in Urdu
کرم کرنے والا
Explanation
Al-Karim is the Most Generous, the Noble. His generosity is absolute: He gives without being asked, He gives to those who do not deserve it, and He gives without reminding the receiver of His favors. When Al-Karim forgives, He doesn't just pardon; He completely erases the sin and often replaces it with a reward. He gives infinitely, and His treasury never decreases.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting "Ya Karim" before sleeping is a practice for those seeking peace and abundance. During Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha (RA) to say: "Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun Karim, tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are Pardoning and Generous, You love to pardon, so pardon me).
Quranic Reference
Surah Al-Infitar (82:6)
يَا أَيُّهَا الْإِنسَانُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ الْكَرِيمِ
"O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous?" - Surah Al-Infitar (82:6)
Practical Lessons
- Be generous to others (karam) — host guests beautifully, give gifts, and forgive easily.
- Ask Allah for great things; do not make small du'as to a Generous God.
- Do not abuse His generosity by continuing to sin without repentance.
- Overlook the faults of others, just as Al-Karim overlooks yours.