Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakatuh. There are those among the people of knowledge who said Allaah's name 'Al-Ghaffaar' is more profound (in meaning) than Allaah's name 'Al-Afuww'. Other scholars said that Allaah's name 'Al-Afuww' is more profound than Allaah's name 'Al-Ghaffaar'. We hope from you clarification of the difference between the two names and which is more profound than the other? This way, we would be more able to keep in mind the real meaning for each name during du'aa (supplication). Barak Allaahu Feekum.

In the name of Allaah, the Benevolent, the Merciful. All praise is due to Allaah, and may peace and blessings be upon the messenger of Allaah, upon his family, companions, and those loyal to him. 'Afw' is the overlooking of sin and not punishing for it. As for 'Ghufraan', then that comes from 'Ghafara' which means to bury something and cover it. 'Al-Ghaffaar' is the Concealer of the sins of His slaves; He who overlooks their sins and mistakes. It is possible that 'Afw' is more profound than 'Maghfirah' because 'Ghufraan' (forgiveness) implies concealing, whereas 'Afw' implies erasing, and erasing is more profound than concealing. Al-Ghazali said: 'Al-Afw is one of Allaah, the Most High's, attributes. (It means) He is the One that erases sins and overlooks disobedience. It is near to 'Al-Ghafoor' except that it is more profound than it. This is because 'Ghufraan' (forgivness) implies concealing, whereas 'Afw' implies erasing, and erasing is more profound than concealing. Also, the slaves share of this isn't hidden, and that is by him pardoning all those that wrong him and to even show kindness to them in the same manner that Allaah, the Most High, is seen being kind in this world to the sinners and disbelievers without rushing their punishment to them. Perhaps He even pardons them by opening the doors of repentance for them. If Allaah opens the door of repentance for them, He erases their sin because (it's known that) the repenter from a sin is like he who has no sin. This is the epitome of pardon for the crime." (Al-Maqsid Al-Asnaa / 140). And Allaah, the Most High, knows best.