Concept of the Name
Linguistic Meaning:
Linguistic Meaning: Al-Haleem (The Forbearing): It is a participle derived from the verb haluma, meaning to be patient and forbearing. It is said, "So-and-so was forbearing toward so-and-so" when he did not respond to or retaliate for their wrongdoing.
[Derivation of the Beautiful Names of Allah by Az-Zajjaji, p. 96].
Thus, He is the One who does not hasten punishment. Everyone who refrains from hastening punishment is called forbearing (haleem) among us.
[Interpretation of the Beautiful Names of Allah by Az-Zajj, 1/45].
References from the Quran
Occurrences in the Qur'an:
The name of Allah, Al-Haleem (The Forbearing), is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an in 11 instances. It appears in the form Haleem in 8 places and as Haleeman in 3 places.
The instances where the name appears as Haleem:
References from the Sunnah
Occurrences in the Sunnah:
Narrated by Abu Huraira, that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one. He is Odd (Witr) and loves odd numbers. Whoever memorizes them will enter Paradise. They are: Allah, the One, the Self-Sufficient, the First, the Last, the Manifest, the Hidden, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner, the King, the Truth, the Peace, the Believer, the Overseer, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Majestic, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, the Subtle, the Aware, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the Great, the Beneficent, the Exalted, the Majestic, the Beautiful, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, the All-Powerful, the Prevailing, the Most High, the Wise, the Near, the Responsive, the Rich, the Bestower, the Loving, the Appreciative, the Glorious, the Finder, the Patron, the Guide, the Pardoning, the Forgiving, the Forbearing (Al-Haleem), the Generous, the Acceptor of Repentance, the Lord, the Noble, the Protector, the Witness, the Evident, the Proof, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the Originator, the Restorer, the Resurrector, the Inheritor, the Strong, the Severe, the Harmful, the Beneficial, the Everlasting, the Preserver, the Abaser, the Exalter, the Constrictor, the Expander, the Honorer, the Humiliator, the Just, the Provider, the Possessor of Power, the Firm, the Maintainer, the Eternal, the Preserver, the Trustee, the Originator, the Hearer, the Giver, the Life-Giver, the Bringer of Death, the Preventer, the Gatherer, the Guide, the Sufficient, the Eternal, the Knowledgeable, the Truthful, the Light, the Illuminator, the Perfect, the Ancient, the Odd (One), the Unique, the Self-Sufficient, the One who neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent."
Approach of the Salaf with the Name
Worship by the Name
Worshipping Allah through the Name (Al-Haleem)
Affirming the Attribute of Forbearance for Allah, the Almighty: This involves acknowledging Allah’s attribute of Hilm (forbearance), which is His pardoning of sinners among His servants and His delaying of their punishment, hoping for their repentance.
Not Being Deceived by Allah’s Forbearance and Patience: Instead of being misled by Allah’s granting of respite and His forbearance, we should feel His patience profoundly and avoid behaving like the ignorant who hasten for punishment, as the previous nations said, “Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of punishment] before the Day of Account.” [Qur’an: 38: 16], and “And [remember] when they said, ‘O Allah, if this should be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment.’” [Qur’an: 8: 32].