What are pardon and forbearance?

Forgiveness (al-Afw) is to overlook a sin and not punish for it. Its origin is effacement and obliteration. As for forbearance (al-Ḥilm), it is gentleness and not rushing. The Forbearing (al-Ḥalīm) is the patient one whose resolve is not weakened by the disobedience of sinners, nor is he provoked to anger by them, nor does he hasten punishment upon them. Among the beautiful names of Allah are al-Afuww (the Ever-Pardoning) and al-Ḥalīm (the Most Forbearing).