Rahmah
Etymology and Definitions
Rahmah (Arabic: رَحْمَةٌ, Turkish: Rahmet) translates to “mercy” or “compassion” in English. The root of Rahmah is R-H-M (ر-ح-م), which is related to notions of tenderness, gentleness, and kind-heartedness, similar to how a mother shows compassion to her child.
Rahmah in the Quran
In the Quran, Rahmah goes beyond mere compassion; it represents the all-encompassing divine concern for humanity. Allah’s mercy is a fundamental attribute, underlined in the phrase Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate) which prefaces almost every chapter in the Quran. This emphasizes that divine mercy is both all-encompassing (Rahman) and ongoing (Rahim).
Manifestation of Rahmah
- Divine Revelation: An important manifestation of Rahmah is the divine revelation. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is referred to as “a mercy to the worlds” ( رحمةً للعالمين, Arabic: Rahmatun lil-‘Alameen) in the Quran (21:107), symbolizing the guidance and wisdom brought by God’s message.
- Human Behavior: The concept of Rahmah underscores the desired conduct among humans, encouraging acts of kindness, empathy, and relief. In Islamic ethics, this translates to charitable deeds, mutual respect, and compassion in daily interactions.
Rahmah in Hadith
Prophet Muhammad articulated the significance of mercy, asserting that those who show mercy to others will themselves receive Allah’s mercy. A notable Hadith states: “The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful on the earth, and you will be shown mercy from above.” (Tirmidhi).
Books for Further Study
- “Love in Sufism: From Rabia al-Adawiyya to Jalauddin Rumi” by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
- “The Nature of God in Islamic Theology: A Survey of the Attributes of God in the Quran and the Arabic Canonical Commentaries” by Tobias Müller-Hansen
- “Understanding the Attributes of God’s Mercy in Islam” by Ingrid Mattson
Key Takeaways
- Rahmah is a profound Islamic concept signifying mercy and compassion.
- Divine mercy is characterized by both Rahman (universal mercy) and Rahim (sustained mercy) attributes of Allah.
- The Quran and Hadith provide numerous exhortations towards embodying mercy in daily life.
Conclusion
Rahmah is not merely an abstract theological notion; it has profound practical implications. From the divine concern reflected in revelations to the ethical framework guiding human conduct, Rahmah represents a central pillar of Islamic spirituality and moral behavior. Encompassing compassion, empathy, kindness, and human interconnectedness, Rahmah epitomizes the higher values treasured in Islamic teachings.
Keep this format in mind as you pursue your further studies or writing on Islamic concepts!
