What is the difference between al-'afw (forgiveness) and al-safh (overlooking/pardoning)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Forgiveness (al-Safh) is more profound than pardoning (al-ʿAfw). Pardoning is not taking someone to task, even if some lingering effect remains in the soul. As for forgiveness (al-Safh), it is overlooking the mistake while erasing its trace from the soul. From this derives the Almighty's saying: "Then, should We turn away the Reminder from you, disregarding (safhan) you?"
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/81076
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 81076
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy