Names of Allah A concise, evidence-based explanation of how the Qur’an and classical scholars describe the relationship between the two beautiful names: Al-Raḥmān and Al-Raḥīm.
Both names flow from the root r-ḥ-m (mercy, compassion), yet the Qur’an and the early scholars highlight a meaningful nuance:
In Arabic morphology, Al-Raḥmān comes on the pattern fa‘lān—a form that conveys abundance and intensity. وَرَحْمَتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ “My mercy encompasses all things.” — Qur’an 7:156
Life, breath, provision, safety, opportunities—these reach every human and every creature. This is the broad, constant outpouring وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا “And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful.” — Qur’an 33:43
The Qur’an repeatedly ties a special mercy to faith and obedience—guidance, forgiveness, tranquility and, above all,
This summary reflects mainstream explanations found in classical tafsīr and contemporary primers. For deeper reading,Al-Raḥmān vs Al-Raḥīm: Understanding Allah’s Mercy — Universal & Specific
Tafsīr
Al-Fātiḥah
Why this distinction matters
one points to Allah’s vast, all-embracing mercy, and the other to a special, focused mercy
for those who believe and obey.
Linguistic snapshot
Al-Raḥīm is on the pattern fa‘īl, often used for a steadfast, applied quality.
Classical exegetes used this linguistic backdrop to articulate the difference below.
Qur’anic foundation
Universal mercy
often associated with Al-Raḥmān.
Specific mercy
salvation in the Hereafter. This is the focused mercy commonly linked to Al-Raḥīm.
How scholars expressed the difference
Mercy type
Name
Recipients
Illustrations
Universal
Al-Raḥmān
All creation
Existence, sustenance, daily blessings, worldly benefit
Specific
Al-Raḥīm
Believers
Guidance, forgiveness, acceptance of deeds, Jannah
Practical takeaways
References (concise)
consult reliable works of tafsīr under verses like 7:156 and 33:43, and discussions on the Names of Allah in
commentaries on Sūrat al-Fātiḥah.
Al-Raḥmān vs Al-Raḥīm: Understanding Allah’s Mercy — Universal & Specific
Key idea: Allah’s mercy reaches all creation continuously, and He also bestows a special mercy on the believers—guidance, forgiveness, and everlasting reward.
Common misunderstanding: Saying “Ar-Raḥīm is only for believers” does not mean non-believers receive no mercy. They constantly receive universal mercy (Raḥmān)—life, health, provision. The point is that the special mercy (Raḥīm) in guidance and salvation belongs to those who believe.
