“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what is your view if I know when the Night of Al-Qadr is, then what should I say in it?” He said: ‘Say: “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, [Generous,] You love pardon, so pardon me (Allāhumma innaka `Afuwwun [Karīmun], tuḥibbul-`afwa fa`fu `annī).’”
Commentary on the Supplication for Laylat al-Qadr
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3513) presents the Prophet's guidance for the most blessed night of the year. The companion's question demonstrates the importance of knowing both the timing of worship and its proper form.
Divine Names and Attributes
"Al-'Afuww" - The Supreme Pardoner: This name indicates Allah's attribute of completely erasing sins and overlooking faults, removing all traces of transgression.
"Al-Karīm" - The Generous: Though mentioned in some versions, this name emphasizes Allah's boundless generosity in granting pardon without being stingy with His mercy.
Wisdom in the Phrasing
The supplication follows a beautiful pattern: It begins by addressing Allah with His attributes, then mentions that He loves to pardon, and finally makes the request. This demonstrates that effective supplication acknowledges Allah's nature and preferences.
"You love pardon" indicates that forgiveness is not merely something Allah does, but something He delights in, making the sinner's hope stronger.
Timing and Significance
This specific supplication for Laylat al-Qadr is particularly meaningful because this night is when destinies are decreed and divine mercy descends abundantly. Seeking comprehensive pardon during this night aligns with its nature as a time of divine forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
Scholars note that this comprehensive pardon sought on this night encompasses forgiveness for all types of sins - major and minor, intentional and unintentional.