By Effat Saleh · Founder of islamtics · Sources: Quran 24:22, 42:40, 3:134, Sahih al-Bukhari 6308, Sahih Muslim 2588, Sunan an-Nasai 4779 · Last updated
Forgiveness in Islam moves in two directions: Allah’s forgiveness of us, and our forgiveness of one another. The Quran ties them together in Surah An-Nur 24:22: “Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love that Allah should forgive you?” If you want Allah’s pardon, extend pardon. This page explains the meaning, the Quranic command, the Prophet’s ﷺ example, and how to forgive in three of the hardest cases.
Below: the three Arabic words for forgiveness (Afw, Safh, Maghfirah), Allah’s forgiveness through tawbah, the Quranic command to forgive others, the Prophet’s ﷺ life as the model, three hard scenarios (family, enemy, self), and the spiritual and worldly benefits. For the dua and 5-step process of your repentance, see tawbah in Islam.
Table of Contents
What forgiveness means in Islam: Afw, Safh, Maghfirah
Arabic distinguishes three near-synonyms for “forgiveness” that English collapses into one word. Knowing the difference deepens every verse on this topic:
- Afw (الْعَفْو) — pardon. Wiping away the offense as if it never happened. One of Allah’s names is Al-‘Afuww (the Pardoner).
- Safh (الصَّفْح) — turning the page. Going beyond pardon to refuse even the mention of the wrong. Quran 15:85: “Forgive with gracious forgiveness (aṣ-ṣafḥ al-jameel).”
- Maghfirah (الْمَغْفِرَة) — concealment plus removal of consequence. Allah’s exclusive form of forgiveness; it covers the sin from others and removes its punishment. Al-Ghafur (the Oft-Forgiving) is His name.
The Quran often pairs Afw with Safh (Quran 2:109) to teach a forgiveness that is both legal (no demand for revenge) and emotional (no replay of the wrong in the heart).
Allah’s forgiveness of us
“Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
— Surah Az-Zumar 39:53
Allah’s forgiveness flows through tawbah — sincere return. The Prophet ﷺ described Allah’s joy at a servant’s repentance:
“Allah is more delighted with the repentance of His servant than one of you who finds his lost camel in a deserted land.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 6308
Three of Allah’s names speak directly to forgiveness as a triad:
- Al-Ghafur (الْغَفُور) — The Oft-Forgiving. Conceals and removes sin.
- Al-‘Afuww (الْعَفُوُّ) — The Pardoner. Wipes away as if the sin never occurred.
- At-Tawwab (التَّوَّاب) — The Acceptor of Repentance. Continually opens the door to return.
For the practical 5-step process of seeking Allah’s forgiveness — including Salat al-Tawbah and Sayyid al-Istighfar — see our companion guide on tawbah in Islam.
Related:
Our forgiveness of others — the Quranic command
“Let those who possess virtue and abundance not swear against giving to relatives, the needy, and emigrants in the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
— Surah An-Nur 24:22
This verse was revealed about Abu Bakr (RA) after Mistah (RA), a poor relative he supported, joined the slander against Aisha (RA). Abu Bakr swore he would never give Mistah another dirham. The verse came: “Would you not love that Allah should forgive you?” Abu Bakr immediately resumed the support — and added more.
- Quran 42:40 — “The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto. But if a person forgives and reconciles, his reward is with Allah.”
- Quran 3:134 — lists those who forgive among the muhsinin Allah loves.
- Quran 41:34 — “Repel evil with what is better, and you will see that the one between you and him was an enmity become like a devoted friend.”
- Quran 7:199 — “Take to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant.”
The Prophet’s ﷺ example
Sunan an-Nasai 4779 records: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ never took revenge for any personal wrong, except when the limits of Allah were violated.” Three moments stand out:
- The people of Ta’if stoned him until his sandals filled with blood. The angel of the mountains offered to crush them between two mountains. He ﷺ refused: “Perhaps Allah will bring forth from their loins those who worship Him alone.”
- The Conquest of Makkah — the Prophet ﷺ entered the city that had exiled, tortured, and killed his Companions. Standing before its assembled people, he asked: “What do you think I will do with you?” They said: “A noble brother, son of a noble brother.” He said: “Go — you are free.”
- Hind bint Utbah, who had ordered the mutilation of his uncle Hamza (RA) at Uhud, came to embrace Islam at the Conquest. He ﷺ accepted her without rebuke.
“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives but Allah increases him in honor, and no one humbles himself for Allah’s sake but Allah raises him in status.”
— Sahih Muslim 2588
Three hard cases: family, enemy, self
Forgiving family
The deepest wounds come from the closest people. Quran 64:14 acknowledges this: “Indeed, among your spouses and your children are enemies for you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and forgive, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” The verse names the hard case openly — and commands forgiveness anyway, tying it to Allah’s own.
Forgiving an enemy
The Prophet’s ﷺ pardon at the Conquest of Makkah is the highest example. Forgiveness here does not require trust or reconciliation; it requires releasing your right to revenge to Allah. Quran 42:40 promises that if you forgive and reconcile, your reward is with Allah.
Forgiving yourself
The hardest forgiveness for many believers is self-forgiveness after a sin you cannot stop replaying. Quran 39:53 is the answer: “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah.” Make sincere tawbah, then trust Allah’s pardon. Refusing to forgive yourself after Allah has forgiven you is a quiet form of arrogance — placing your judgment above His. Move forward.
Spiritual, psychological, and social benefits
- Allah’s forgiveness of you. The Quranic logic in 24:22 is direct: extend pardon, expect pardon.
- Allah’s love. Quran 3:134 places those who forgive among al-muhsinin — the people Allah loves.
- Higher status with Allah. Sahih Muslim 2588 promises that no one forgives except that Allah raises them in honor.
- Heart unburdened. Grudges block dua acceptance and weigh on the heart on the Day of Judgment, when wronged parties claim their share from the wrongdoer’s good deeds (Sahih al-Bukhari 6534).
- Repaired relationships. Quran 41:34 promises an enmity can become “like a devoted friend” when repelled with good.
- Modern psychology confirms it. Forgiveness lowers cortisol, improves sleep, reduces depression. Allah named what science is now measuring.
What is the difference between Afw, Safh, and Maghfirah in Islam?
Afw means pardoning — wiping away the offense as if it never happened. Safh goes further: turning the page completely, refusing even to mention the wrong again (Quran 15:85). Maghfirah is Allah’s exclusive forgiveness, which conceals the sin and removes its punishment. The Quran often pairs Afw with Safh (2:109) to teach a forgiveness that is both legal and emotional.
Does the Quran command Muslims to forgive others?
Yes. Quran 24:22 directly asks, ‘Would you not love that Allah should forgive you?’ — tying our pardon of others to Allah’s pardon of us. Quran 42:40 promises reward for those who forgive and reconcile. Quran 3:134 lists ‘those who pardon people’ among the muhsinin whom Allah loves. Forgiveness is not optional politeness; it is a recurring divine command.
What did Prophet Muhammad ⍔ teach about forgiveness?
The Prophet ⍔ forgave the people of Ta’if who stoned him, the Quraysh who exiled him, and Hind who mutilated his uncle Hamza. Sunan an-Nasai 4779 records that he never took revenge for personal wrongs. In Sahih Muslim 2588 he taught: ‘Charity does not decrease wealth, and Allah only adds honor to the one who forgives.’ His life is the practical commentary on the verses.
How does Allah forgive sins in Islam?
Allah forgives through sincere tawbah: stopping the sin, regretting it, resolving never to return, and (if it harmed another person) restoring their right. Quran 39:53 announces: ‘Do not despair of the mercy of Allah; He forgives all sins.’ Sahih al-Bukhari 6308 describes Allah’s joy at a servant’s repentance — greater than a man who recovers his lost camel in the desert.
What are the spiritual benefits of forgiving others?
Forgiveness raises the believer’s rank with Allah (Sahih Muslim 2588), invites Allah’s own forgiveness (Quran 24:22), and lists you among the muhsinin whom Allah loves (3:134). It frees the heart of grudges that block dua acceptance, repairs relationships, and lowers the spiritual weight a believer carries on the Day of Judgment, when grudges become debts to be paid from one’s good deeds.
How do I forgive someone who hurt me deeply?
Start by remembering your own need for Allah’s forgiveness — the logic of Quran 24:22. Make du’a for the person; the heart softens toward those we pray for. Practice Safh — stop replaying the wrong mentally. Recall the Prophet’s ⍔ pardon at the Conquest of Makkah. Forgiveness does not require trust or reconciliation — it is releasing your right to revenge to Allah.
Forgiveness is the door you open between you and Allah. Pardon someone today — in your heart if you cannot in person — and ask Allah to extend the same pardon to you. Make sincere tawbah for whatever you carry. Forgive yourself for what Allah has already forgiven. The Prophet ﷺ promised: “No one forgives but Allah increases him in honor.”
