What is the difference between al-'afw (forgiveness/pardoning), as-safḥ (overlooking/turning away from blame), al-maghfirah (covering/erasing sins), and ar-raḥmah (mercy), given that they are conjoined by "and" in the Qur'an?

Pardoning (As-Safh) is more profound than Forgiving ('Afw). Pardoning means to refrain from reproach, to remove the trace of sin from the soul, and to abstain from blame and rebuke, whereas Forgiving is merely to waive accountability and punishment for a sin. Forgiveness (Maghfirah) is more profound than Forgiving ('Afw), for it entails protecting the servant from the evil of his sins, and Allah’s turning towards him and being pleased with him. Whereas Forgiving ('Afw) might simply be waiving accountability without turning towards or being pleased.

The difference between Forgiveness (Maghfirah) and Mercy (Rahmah): Forgiveness means removing and concealing sins. As for Mercy, it includes benevolence and giving to those in need. When Forgiveness is mentioned before Mercy, it means concealing the fault then bestowing kindness. If mentioned after Mercy, it means inclining towards the servant then concealing his sins.

These attributes (Forgiving, Pardoning, Forgiveness) are complementary: Forgiving is by waiving punishment, Pardoning is by turning away from reproach, and Forgiveness is by concealing the sin. These ethics, such as suppressing anger and forgiving people, are characteristics of the people of Paradise and lead to the forgiveness of sins.