Al-Wadood

The root. Al-Wadood comes from w-d-d, the root behind wudd and mawadda, a love that shows itself in warmth and closeness rather than staying a private feeling. Arabic keeps this root distinct from ḥubb, the more general word for love; wudd carries an added note of wishing well, of a love that actively wants good for what it loves. Al-Wadood is shaped on the intensive faʿūl pattern, naming a love that is constant and freely given rather than a feeling that comes and goes.

What it means here. Al-Wadood is read as a love directed at those who turn to Him — He loves the believer who repents, and is loved by that believer in return, an affection the Quran describes moving in both directions rather than as a distant approval. It is set beside Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem, both naming mercy, while Al-Wadood names something closer to affection itself: not only that He is merciful toward His creation, but that He holds a warmth for those who turn back to Him.

Where it is met. Al-Wadood closes Surah Al-Buruj, paired with Al-Ghafoor, describing Allah as forgiving and loving together. In Surah Hud, the prophet Shu'ayb tells his people directly, "my Lord is merciful and loving," urging them toward repentance on the strength of that same name. Surah Maryam promises that Allah will grant love, wudd, in the hearts of others for those who believe and do good — the root extended from Allah's own love into a love He places between people.