Al-Ghaffar
| Name | Al-Ghaffar |
| Arabic | الغفار |
| English meaning | The Repeatedly Forgiving |
| Urdu meaning (اردو) | بہت بخشنے والا |
| Number | 14 of 99 |
| Invocation | Ya Al-Ghaffar — “O The Repeatedly Forgiving” |
The meaning of Al-Ghaffar
Al-Ghaffar (الغفار) is the 14th of the ninety-nine names of Allah, the Asma-ul-Husna (“most beautiful names”). It carries the meaning “The Repeatedly Forgiving” — rendered in Urdu as بہت بخشنے والا. To affirm this name is to believe that this quality belongs to Allah completely and perfectly, in a way beyond any limit found in creation.
Reflecting on this name
Each of Allah's names invites reflection, not just memorisation. When a believer calls upon Allah as Al-Ghaffar, they turn to Him precisely as “The Repeatedly Forgiving” — seeking from Him what this attribute promises, and shaping their own character in humility before it. The scholars taught that truly enumerating the names (as in the hadith below) means learning them, believing in them and living by their meanings, not merely counting them.
How Al-Ghaffar is recited
This name is remembered as part of the Asma-ul-Husna in dhikr (remembrance) and du'a. It is commonly invoked in the form “Ya Al-Ghaffar” (یا الغفار) — “O The Repeatedly Forgiving” — while reflecting on its meaning. Muslims may recite the full set of ninety-nine names, or focus on individual names in personal supplication. There is no fixed count required for reward; the value lies in sincerity and understanding.
Frequently asked questions
What does Al-Ghaffar mean?
Al-Ghaffar (الغفار) means “. In Urdu it is “. It is name number 14 of the ninety-nine names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna).
What is Al-Ghaffar in Urdu?
In Urdu, Al-Ghaffar (الغفار) means “. The English meaning is “.
Which number is Al-Ghaffar among the 99 names?
Al-Ghaffar is the 14th of the ninety-nine beautiful names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna), in the well-known at-Tirmidhi enumeration.
How do you recite Al-Ghaffar?
It is often recited as “Ya (يا الغفار) — “O — within dhikr and du'a, along with the other names of Asma-ul-Husna, reflecting on its meaning.
How many names of Allah are there?
There are ninety-nine names of Allah, known as Asma-ul-Husna (the most beautiful names), taught in the Quran and the Sunnah.