Al-Latif — The Subtle, the Most Kind
Al-Latif joins two senses: subtlety so fine it escapes perception, and gentleness in dealing with His servants. So the name describes the One who knows the most hidden things and who arranges affairs with a kindness that often goes unnoticed until much later. The Quran pairs it with Al-Khabir in 6:103, immediately after saying that vision cannot grasp Him — He is beyond sight, yet gently at work within it. Classical scholars often cite Yusuf's words that his Lord is subtle in what He wills (12:100).
Updated July 16, 2026
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اللَّطِيفُ
Al-Latif
The Subtle, the Most Kind
Where Al-Latif appears in the Quran
لَّا تُدۡرِكُهُ ٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدۡرِكُ ٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرَۖ وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلۡخَبِيرُ
Vision comprehendeth Him not, but He comprehendeth (all) vision. He is the Subtile, the Aware
Arabic text: Tanzil Uthmani (public domain). English translation: Marmaduke Pickthall, “The Meaning of the Glorious Koran” (1930) — public domain.
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