Day 12 – Reflecting on Allah’s Names: Al-Ghafur, Ash-Shakur, Al-Ali

Day 12 – Reflecting on Allah’s Names: Al-Ghafur, Ash-Shakur, Al-Ali

Today, I want to reflect on three of Allah’s beautiful names:

• Al-Ghafur (ٱلْغَفُورُ) – The Most Forgiving
• Ash-Shakur (ٱلشَّكُورُ) – The Most Appreciative
• Al-Ali (ٱلْعَلِيُّ) – The Most High

These names remind me that no sin is too great for Allah’s forgiveness, no effort is too small for His appreciation, and no one is higher or greater than Him.

Al-Ghafur (ٱلْغَفُورُ) – The Most Forgiving

The name Al-Ghafur comes from the root “gh-f-r” (غ ف ر) which means to cover, shield, and protect. Allah’s forgiveness is not just about wiping away sins—it is about covering our faults, protecting us from their consequences, and granting us a fresh start.

Al-Ghafur (ٱلْغَفُورُ) signifies the One who forgives repeatedly, covering sins with His boundless mercy.

وَإِنِّى لَغَفَّارٌۭ لِّمَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا ثُمَّ ٱهْتَدَىٰ ٨٢

“And indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.”
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:82)

This verse reassures me of Allah’s endless forgiveness for those who sincerely return to Him.

“Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.” (Quran 71:10)

Allah’s mercy is vast, encouraging me to seek His pardon without hesitation.How many times have I messed up? Too many to count. And yet, Allah never tires of forgiving me—as long as I turn back to Him. Even when I struggle with the same mistakes, even when I feel unworthy, His mercy is always open.

Reflection:

• What is one mistake you need to seek forgiveness for today?
• How can we strengthen my connection with Al-Ghafur by forgiving others?

Ash-Shakur (ٱلشَّكُورُ) – The Most Appreciative

The name Ash-Shakur comes from the root “sh-k-r” (ش ك ر) which means to recognize, acknowledge, and reward goodness. Allah, the Most Appreciative, acknowledges even the smallest acts of sincerity and rewards them beyond what we can imagine.

وَقَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَذْهَبَ عَنَّا ٱلْحَزَنَ ۖ إِنَّ رَبَّنَا لَغَفُورٌۭ شَكُورٌ ٣٤

“And they will say, ‘Praise to Allah, who has removed from us [all] sorrow. Indeed, our Lord is Forgiving and Appreciative (Ash-Shakur).'” (Quran 35:34)

This verse highlights Allah’s appreciation and reward for sincere efforts.

أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ وَتَقْطَعُونَ ٱلسَّبِيلَ وَتَأْتُونَ فِى نَادِيكُمُ ٱلْمُنكَرَ ۖ فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ ٱئْتِنَا بِعَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ ٢٩

“Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend [in His cause]… they are expecting a transaction that will never fail—That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative.”
(Surah Fatir 35:29-30)

There are times when I feel like my efforts are insignificant—like my good deeds are too small to matter. But Allah sees them. Allah values them. Even the tears shed in sujood, the whispered duas, the hidden struggles—all of them are written and appreciated by Ash-Shakur.

Reflection:

• What is one small good deed we can do today, knowing that Ash-Shakur will appreciate and multiply it?
• How can we reflect this name by being more grateful for the blessings in my life?

Al-Ali (ٱلْعَلِيُّ) – The Most High

The name Al-Ali comes from the root “ʿa-l-w” (ع ل و) which means to be high, exalted, and above all limitations. Allah is the Most High, above everything—above all powers, all rulers, all worldly concerns.

“He is the Most High, the Most Great.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)

This verse reminds me of Allah’s supreme elevation and majesty.

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ وَأَنَّ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ هُوَ ٱلْبَـٰطِلُ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْكَبِيرُ ٦٢

“That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.” (Quran 22:62)

His exalted nature inspires me to seek what is noble and pure.Sometimes, I get caught up in this world—worrying about people’s opinions, chasing after things that don’t last. But when I remember Al-Ali, I realize that my heart should be attached to Him alone. Nothing in this world is greater than Him. No problem is too big for Him. No success is greater than seeking His pleasure.

Reflection:

• How can we shift my focus from worldly concerns to seeking the approval of Al-Ali?
• What is one way we can remind myself daily that Allah is above all my worries and struggles?

Final Thoughts

These names of Allah fill my heart with hope:

• Al-Ghafur reminds me that no matter how many times I fall, I can always return to Him.
• Ash-Shakur reassures me that even my smallest efforts are noticed and rewarded by Allah.
• Al-Ali teaches me to lift my gaze from the temporary world to the eternal.

Ya Allah, forgive me when I fall, appreciate my efforts when I strive, and raise me closer to You when I seek You.

Today, I want to hold onto these names, whisper them in my duas, and let them bring peace to my heart. Which of these names speaks to you the most today?

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