Meaning
The name Ar-Rahmaan comes from the root word ر-ح-م (R-H-M), which encompasses meanings of mercy, compassion, and tenderness. Ar-Rahmaan is often translated as “The Most Merciful” or “The Beneficent“, and it refers to the all-encompassing mercy of Allah that is extended to all creation, both believers and non-believers.
Explanation
Ar-Rahmaan signifies Allah’s boundless and universal mercy. It highlights His care, love, and concern for all creation, whether they are deserving or not. This mercy is so vast and comprehensive that it covers every aspect of existence, from the smallest details of life to the grand order of the universe. It denotes a mercy that is immediate, powerful, and pervasive.
While Ar-Rahmaan refers to Allah’s mercy that encompasses all of creation without distinction, Ar-Raheem emphasizes His special mercy directed toward the believers, both in this life and the Hereafter. Ar-Rahmaan is vast, immediate, and universal, whereas Ar-Raheem is specific, continuous, and eternal for the righteous.
Quran Verses
- Surah Al-Fatiha 1:1
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. - Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163
وَإِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۖ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الرَّحْمَٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ
Your God is one God. There is no god but He, the Compassionate, the Merciful. - Surah Al-Isra 17:110
قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا
Say, “Call upon Allah, or call upon the Compassionate. Whichever you call upon, He has the Most Beautiful Names.” And be neither loud in your prayer, nor silent in it, but seek a way in between. - Surah Ar-Rahman 55:1-4
الرَّحْمَٰنُ (١) عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ (٢) خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ (٣) عَلَّمَهُ الْبَيَانَ (٤)
The Compassionate. Has taught the Quran. He created the human being. And taught him clear expression.
Hadiths
Several hadiths reflect the attribute Ar-Rahmaan and emphasize Allah’s all-encompassing mercy. Here are a few notable ones:
- Allah’s Mercy Surpassing His Wrath:
Sahih al-Bukhari 3194, Sahih Muslim 2751
Abu Huraira reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “When Allah created the creation, He wrote in His Book, which is with Him on His Throne: ‘My mercy prevails over My wrath.'”
This hadith emphasizes that Allah’s mercy (as Ar-Rahman) is more abundant and prioritized over His punishment. It shows the greatness of His compassion towards creation.
- Allah’s Compassion Toward His Servants:
Sahih al-Bukhari 5999, Sahih Muslim 2754
Narrated `Umar bin Al-Khattab: Some captives were brought to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and among them was a woman searching for her child. When she found him, she embraced him and began to nurse him. The Prophet then said to his companions, “Do you think this woman would throw her child into the fire?” They replied, “No, if she is able not to.” The Prophet said, “Allah is more merciful to His servants than this woman is to her child.”
This hadith beautifully illustrates that Allah’s mercy is even greater than the profound compassion a mother has for her child, reflecting His attribute of Ar-Rahman.
- Dividing Mercy into a Hundred Parts:
Sahih Muslim 2752
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “Allah has one hundred mercies, of which He sent down only one between the jinn, mankind, animals, and insects. Through it, they love one another and show mercy to one another. Even the beast lifts its hoof away from its young for fear of trampling on it. But Allah has kept ninety-nine mercies with Him to show mercy to His servants on the Day of Resurrection.”
This narration reflects Allah’s mercy in this world as only a small part of His overall mercy. The reserved ninety-nine parts are a promise of even greater compassion in the Hereafter, underlining His boundless mercy as Ar-Rahman.
Scholarly Reflections on Ar-Rahmaan
Imam Ibn Kathir said: “Ar-Rahmaan refers to the One whose mercy encompasses all things. It is an attribute that belongs exclusively to Allah, and no one else can bear this name.”
Imam Al-Ghazali stated: “Ar-Rahmaan is the One who wills good and well-being for all creation without distinction. His mercy extends even to those who deny Him, sustaining them with provisions and life.”
Practical Implications
Believers should reflect on Ar-Rahmaan as a source of hope and comfort. Knowing that Allah’s mercy extends to all creation, regardless of their shortcomings, reminds us of His love and care.
We are encouraged to emulate this attribute by showing mercy, kindness, and compassion to others, regardless of their background or belief, just as Allah shows mercy to all.
Summary
Ar-Rahmaan reflects Allah’s all-encompassing, boundless mercy that extends to all creatures in this world. It shows that Allah’s nature is one of deep compassion, and this mercy is always present, nourishing and sustaining the universe. It is a reminder to mankind of Allah’s profound and continuous benevolence.