Literal Meaning
From w-d-d (و-د-د): to love, to wish well. Al-Wadud is the One whose love is pure, constant, and beneficent.
Quranic Usage
Appears explicitly in 11:90 (“Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Loving”) and 85:14 (“And He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Loving”).
Translations of Al-Wadud:
Yusuf Ali: “the Loving (One)”
Pickthall: “the Loving”
Sahih International: “the Most Loving”
Muhammad Asad: “the All-Loving”
Mustafa Khattab: “the Most Loving”
Linguistic Form and Pattern
fa‘ul pattern (ودود) is an intensive form indicating abundant, enduring love.
Classical Scholarly Views
Al-Wadud’s love overflows as mercy, guidance, and forgiveness; He loves the God-conscious and the doers of good.
Not Limited to Emotion
Divine love acts—creating, sustaining, forgiving, guiding.
Distinction from Similar Names
Related to Ar-Rahman/Ar-Rahim (mercy). Al-Wadud centers on love; mercy is one of its streams.
In Human Terms
To love for Allah is to will and do the other’s real good.
Spiritual Perspective
Invoke “Ya Wadud” to soften hard hearts and mend relationships.
Practical Reflection
Express love as service, counsel, and consistent kindness.
Invocation and Dua
“Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqir”—seek His loving care in all needs.
Everyday Arabic Usage
wudd (affection), mawadda (loving-kindness).
Examples:
– mawaddah baynahuma – affection between them.
– wadid – beloved.
32