الْكَرِيمُ
42. Al-Karim
The Generous
Meaning of Al-Karim
The One who is the most generous and noble, who gives without being asked and whose generosity knows no bounds. His nobility is perfect, and He honors those who approach Him.
Benefits of Reciting Al-Karim
- Fosters a deep love for Allah, who gives so generously without measure.
- Reciting 'Ya Karim' is a powerful way to ask for a need to be fulfilled, appealing to His generous nature.
- Inspires a person to be generous ('karim') in their own character, to give freely, and to forgive others easily.
Al-Karim in the Quran
Mentioned 3 times in the Quran, including 'O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous?' (82:6).
How to Make Dua with 'Ya Karim'
To call upon Al-Karim is to appeal to the Most Generous. It is a dua filled with hope, knowing you are asking the One whose nature is to give and to honor.
When in Need
"'Ya Karim, I am in need and I have come to Your door. You are the Most Generous. Please grant me [mention your need] from Your endless bounty.'"
When Seeking Forgiveness
"'Ya Karim, I have sinned, but I know You are the Generous One who forgives. Please treat me with Your generosity and pardon my shortcomings.'"
To Develop a Generous Character
"'Ya Karim, make me generous like You love generosity. Make me noble in my character, forgiving with people, and giving with my wealth.'"
Frequently Asked Questions
'Karam' is a rich Arabic word that means generosity, nobility, and honor. Al-Karim is the one who possesses all aspects of 'karam' in the most perfect way. He is generous in giving, honorable in His essence, and noble in His actions.
They are very similar. Al-Wahhab (The Giver) emphasizes the act of giving a gift ('hiba'). Al-Karim (The Generous) emphasizes the noble and honorable nature of the Giver Himself. Al-Karim gives generously because that is His inherent, noble character.
It's a powerful rhetorical question. It's as if Allah is saying, 'How could you disobey a Lord who has been nothing but generous to you?' It is meant to make a person reflect on the countless blessings they have received from Al-Karim and feel a sense of shame for their disobedience, leading them to repentance.
Quick Quiz
Question 1: The name Al-Karim emphasizes Allah's:
Question 2: A person who wants to develop a generous and forgiving character should reflect on which name?
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