Home › 99 Names of Allah › Al-Ghafur
Asma-ul-Husna · Name 34 of 99
الغفور

Al-Ghafur

The Much-Forgiving
بخشنے والا
Meaning at a glance
NameAl-Ghafur
Arabicالغفور
English meaningThe Much-Forgiving
Urdu meaning (اردو)بخشنے والا
Number34 of 99
InvocationYa Al-Ghafur — “O The Much-Forgiving”

The meaning of Al-Ghafur

Al-Ghafur (الغفور) is the 34th of the ninety-nine names of Allah, the Asma-ul-Husna (“most beautiful names”). It carries the meaning “The Much-Forgiving” — rendered in Urdu as 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-Ghafur, they turn to Him precisely as “The Much-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.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one; whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)

How Al-Ghafur 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-Ghafur” (یا الغفور) — “O The Much-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.

Related names of Allah
14الغفارAl-GhaffarThe Repeatedly Forgiving33العظيمAl-AzimThe Magnificent35الشكورAsh-ShakurThe Appreciative32الحليمAl-HalimThe Forbearing

Frequently asked questions

What does Al-Ghafur mean?

Al-Ghafur (الغفور) means “. In Urdu it is “. It is name number 34 of the ninety-nine names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna).

What is Al-Ghafur in Urdu?

In Urdu, Al-Ghafur (الغفور) means “. The English meaning is “.

Which number is Al-Ghafur among the 99 names?

Al-Ghafur is the 34th of the ninety-nine beautiful names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna), in the well-known at-Tirmidhi enumeration.

How do you recite Al-Ghafur?

It is often recited as “Ya (يا الغفور) — “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.

← 34. Al-Azim All 99 names Ash-Shakur →