Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمان) in Islam
Definition
Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمان) translates to “The Merciful” and is one of the ninety-nine names or attributes (Asma ul-Husna) of God in Islam. This divine name emphasizes God’s boundless and universal mercy and compassion, extending to all of creation.
Etymology
The Arabic term Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمان) is derived from the root word r-ḥ-m (ر-ح-م), which conveys the sense of mercy, compassion, and loving-kindness. The Hebrew equivalent is רַחוּם (raḥūm), which means the same.
Occurrence in the Qur’an
Ar-Raḥmān frequently appears in the Qur’an, often alongside the attribute Ar-Raḥīm (The Compassionate). For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:159):
<p><strong>“Your God is one God. There is no god but He, the Merciful (Ar-Raḥmān), the Compassionate (Ar-Raḥīm).”</strong></p>
Additionally, it features in the Basmala (بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ), the opening phrase of almost every Surah except Surah At-Tawbah (9):
<p><strong>“In the name of God, the Merciful (Ar-Raḥmān), the Compassionate (Ar-Raḥīm).”</strong></p>
Theological Implications
The commentator Al-Baiḍāwī suggests that Ar-Raḥmān is a more exalted attribute than Ar-Raḥīm. He reasons that Ar-Raḥmān encompasses a universal mercy granted to all of humanity—good and wicked, believers and unbelievers. In contrast, Ar-Raḥīm is often seen as specific to the believers.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الرحمان (Ar-Raḥmān)
- Turkish: Rahman
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Ninety-Nine Names of God in Islam” by Ghazi bin Muhammad
- “God and His Attributes” by Allamah Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi
- “Divine Names” by Tosun Bayrak
Takeaways
- Ar-Raḥmān is a significant name of God in Islam, denoting a universal, all-encompassing mercy.
- Frequently paired with Ar-Raḥīm, these names highlight the compassionate nature of God.
- Understanding these names enhances comprehension of the theological and spiritual dimensions of Islamic worship and life.
Conclusion
Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمان) serves as a key aspect of understanding God’s nature in Islamic theology. Its frequent pairing with Ar-Raḥīm illustrates the layered and profound concept of divine compassion in Islam, inviting believers and non-believers to reflect on the mercy that permeates all of creation.
For any inquiries or further exploration of Islamic theological perspectives, feel free to dive into the suggested readings or consult scholarly resources. This reflection on Ar-Raḥmān should serve as a stepping stone to a deeper understanding of God’s attributes in Islam.
