Names of Allah
Name #26 of 99

ٱلْحَلِيمُ

Al-Haleem

“The Forbearing”

Quranic Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:235

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The Sin That Should Have Destroyed

Experience this name through an immersive narrative journey with Quranic verses, animations, and guided reflection.

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Scholarly Explanation

The one who bestows favours, both outward and inward, lavishly to His creation despite their many acts of disobedience and transgression. He is gentle upon those who disobey Him and in censuring them so that perchance they may repent and gives them respite so that they may become penitent.

“And know that Allah Knows what is in your minds, so fear Him. And know that Allah is Ever Forgiving, Halim.”

[al-Baqarah (2): 235]

“If you lend to Allah a goodly loan He will multiply it for you and will forgive you. Allah is the Appreciative, Halim.”

[at-Taghabun (64): 17]

From “Explanation to the Beautiful and Perfect Names of Allah” — Shaykh as-Sa’di (d.1376H)

Reflect on This Name

“What repeated sin has Al-Haleem been forbearing with you about?”
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Prophetic Traditions

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيُمْلِي لِلظَّالِمِ حَتَّى إِذَا أَخَذَهُ لَمْ يُفْلِتْهُ ثُمَّ قَرَأَ وَكَذَلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَا أَخَذَ الْقُرَى وَهِيَ ظَالِمَةٌ إِنَّ أَخْذَهُ أَلِيمٌ شَدِيدٌ

“Indeed Allah gives respite to the wrongdoer until, when He seizes him, He does not let him escape. Then he recited: 'Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.'”

Al-Haleem gives ample time for the wrongdoer to repent before taking action—His forbearance is a mercy and an opportunity.

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari رضي الله عنه·Sahih al-Bukhari 4686
Sahih

مَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ أَصْبَرُ عَلَى أَذًى سَمِعَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ يَدَّعُونَ لَهُ الْوَلَدَ ثُمَّ يُعَافِيهِمْ وَيَرْزُقُهُمْ

“No one is more patient in bearing offensive speech heard than Allah. They attribute a son to Him, yet He gives them health and provision.”

Despite people's blasphemy against Him, Al-Haleem continues to provide for them—the ultimate forbearance.

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari رضي الله عنه·Sahih al-Bukhari 6099
Sahih

Scholarly Insights

Al-Haleem is the One who observes disobedience yet exercises restraint, not out of weakness but out of perfect power combined with perfect forbearance.

Al-GhazaliAl-Maqsad al-Asna

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The Sin That Should Have Destroyed

Continue your journey with an immersive interactive narrative, complete with Quranic recitation, animations, and guided reflection.

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Supplication

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْهَرَمِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ

Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasali wal-jubni wal-bukhli wal-harami wa 'adhabil-qabr

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity, laziness, cowardice, miserliness, old age, and the punishment of the grave.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 6367Al-Haleem is patient beyond measure — ask Him for patience when your limits are tested.

Living With Al-Haleem

  • 1

    Practice forbearance with those who wrong you—this is one of the most beloved traits to Allah.

  • 2

    When someone sins openly, don't wish for their punishment; instead, hope for their guidance, as Al-Haleem does.

  • 3

    Control your anger, for Al-Haleem restrains His power despite having full ability to punish instantly.

  • 4

    Give people time and space to grow and improve, just as Al-Haleem gives time for repentance.

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