What is the meaning of the word "Al-Kareem" (The Generous/Noble) in the phrase "Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem" (The Noble Quran) and in the Hadith "I seek refuge in Allah, the Almighty, and in His Noble Face, and His Pre-eternal Authority from the accursed Satan," and is it attributed to Allah Almighty or to His Face, Exalted be He?

"Al-Kareem" is one of Allah's Most Beautiful Names, and "Karam" (generosity/nobility) is one of His Exalted Attributes. Allah has described Himself as "Al-Kareem" and praised Himself with it, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, also described Him with it, as in the Almighty's saying: ﴿O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord?﴾, and in the supplication for distress: "There is no god but Allah, the Forbearing, the Generous."

The Qur'an is described as "Kareem" (noble/generous) in the Almighty's saying: ﴿Indeed, it is a noble Qur'an﴾, and the Face of Allah is described as "Kareem" (noble/generous) in the supplication for entering the mosque: "I seek refuge with Allah, the All-Mighty, and with His Noble Face."

There is no disagreement among Muslims regarding these descriptions. Scholars have interpreted Allah's generosity (Karam) as the utmost generosity, encompassing His bounty upon those who disbelieve in His blessings, His being abundant in goodness, perpetually giving, whose goodness is easily attained, possessing great status, free from imperfections, and honoring. Similarly, the Qur'an is Kareem because it is the Word of Allah, and His Face is Kareem because it is one of His attributes.