Meaning & Explanation
Ar-Raheem refers to the One whose mercy is specific and perpetual for the believers. While Ar-Rahman encompasses all creation, Ar-Raheem is the special mercy reserved for those who believe and follow guidance. This mercy continues in the Hereafter for the faithful.
Quran References
3 versesContext: Paired with Ar-Rahman in the daily prayer
الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
“The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”
Context: Describing Allah's mercy to the believers
إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful”
Context: Allah's mercy to the Muhajirin and Ansar
إِنَّهُ بِهِمْ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Indeed, He is to them Kind and Merciful”
Exemplifying Story
quranAllah's Mercy to the Repentant Three
Reference: Surah At-Tawbah 9:117-118
Three companions - Ka'b ibn Malik, Murarah ibn ar-Rabi', and Hilal ibn Umayyah - failed to join the expedition of Tabuk without valid excuse. When the Prophet ﷺ returned, he ordered Muslims to avoid them. For fifty days, they faced complete social isolation. The earth felt constricted despite its vastness. Then Allah revealed their forgiveness: "And [He also forgave] the three who were left behind... Allah turned to them so they could repent. Indeed, Allah is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful." This shows how Ar-Raheem's mercy embraces the sincere penitent.
No matter how grave the sin, sincere repentance opens the door to Allah's special mercy for the believers.
How to Live By This Name
- 1Strive to be among those who earn Allah's special mercy through faith and good deeds
- 2Show special kindness to fellow believers while being merciful to all
- 3Call upon this name when seeking forgiveness for sins
- 4Trust in Allah's mercy even when you feel unworthy
Du'a: Ya Raheem, forgive my sins and have mercy on me in this life and the next.