Al-Haleem
The Forbearing
He is the One Who does not hasten the punishment for His servants despite His ability to do so. Rather, He pardons and forgives them if they ask for forgiveness.
This noble name occurs 11 times in the Qur’an. For example: {A kind word and forbearance is better than that charity which is followed by insult or injury. Allah is Self-Sufficient and Forbearing.} [Sūrat Al-Baqarah: 263] And {If you give Allah a goodly loan, He will increase it for you several fold and will forgive you. Allah is the Most Appreciative, Forbearing.} [Sūrat Al-Taghābun: 17]
Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to make this supplication at the time of distress, “There is no god but Allah, the Majestic, the Forbearing; there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and earth, and the Lord of the Majestic Throne.”In light of this great name, I would say:
- Know that none can be described as forbearing unless he has the ability to inflict punishment; otherwise, he should not be labeled as such. No one has power over anyone like the power that Allah Almighty has over those who disobey Him. Nonetheless, He forgives, pardons and reprieves them. Praise be to Allah for all this!
- As you praise Allah Almighty for His forbearance, you should also beware of His wrath. So, hasten to ask for His forgiveness and pardon and return to Him quickly. Allah says in the Qur’an, {So flee to Allah. I am indeed a clear warner to you from Him.} [Sūrat Al-Dhāriyāt: 50]
- The Forbearing Lord loves those of His servants who are forbearing. Indeed, the attribute of forbearance is one of the greatest favors Allah has bestowed upon His servants. Prophet Ibrahīm and Prophet Isma‘īl (peace be upon both of them) won this attribute as it is attested by Allah Almighty, {Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, tenderhearted, and oft-turning to Allah.} [Sūrat Hūd: 75] About Isma‘īl, Allah says,{So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy.} [Sūrat Al-Sāffāt: 101]The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to Ashajj ‘Abd Qays, “You possess two qualities which Allah and His Messenger love: Forbearance and deliberateness.”[1]
- Know that there are means that lead to forbearance. Pursue those means so that you can reach this noble quality. Meanwhile, remember the Prophet’s statement, “Indeed, forbearance can be attained by acting in a forbearing manner.”[Narrated by Al-Tabarāni]
[1] Narrated by Muslim
