Surah Al-Buruj 85:14
سُورَةُ البُرُوجِ · Meccan · Verse 14 of 22
وَهُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلْوَدُودُ
Translation
and He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Loving.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse introduces two of Allah's magnificent names, "Al-Ghafoor" and "Al-Wadood," which come right after a strong warning about Allah's severe grip on wrongdoers. This contrast offers a profound balance, revealing Allah's attributes of both justice and boundless mercy.
The All-Forgiving
The first name, ٱلْغَفُورُ (Al-Ghafoor), means "The All-Forgiving." The Arabic root of this word implies covering or concealing something. When applied to Allah, it means He extensively covers, overlooks, and erases our sins. The form of the word itself, *fa'ool*, suggests an intensive, exaggerated quality, indicating that Allah's forgiveness is not limited; it is vast and abundant. As Imam al-Razi points out, Allah's forgiveness is not solely for those who explicitly repent, but it is a general attribute of His being, demonstrating His immense capacity to forgive whoever He wills. This highlights the sheer breadth of His mercy.
The All-Loving
Following this is ٱلْوَدُودُ (Al-Wadood), "The All-Loving" or "The One who is full of love." This name comes from the Arabic word *wudd*, meaning love, affection, and friendship. Like Al-Ghafoor, the *fa'ool* form here signifies an intense and continuous love. Ibn Ashur explains that Allah's love manifests in His doing for His obedient servants what a loving one would do, giving them what they desire, and showing them honor and reward, as al-Jalalayn and al-Kalbi noted.
What is particularly profound about Al-Wadood, as al-Razi explains, is its dual meaning: Allah is not only "The Loving One" who loves His servants, but He is also "The Beloved One" whom His righteous servants love. This reciprocal relationship underlines the deep bond between the Creator and His creation. His love is not just a one-sided beneficence; it inspires profound love in return from those who recognize His perfection and kindness.
A Profound Balance
Placing these two names, Al-Ghafoor and Al-Wadood, immediately after the reminder of Allah's severe punishment for the oppressors, beautifully illustrates the balance of divine attributes. It teaches us that even in His power and justice, Allah's mercy, forgiveness, and love for those who turn to Him are boundless. It's a message of hope and reassurance, inviting us to seek His forgiveness and draw closer to His immense love.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Buruj 85:14 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Buruj 85:14 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.