Difference between ‘Rahman’ and ‘Rahim’ in Quran

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Surah Al-Fatiha, which is the first chapter of the Holy Quran, has been referred to as the “Mother of the Quran”.

It has also been described as the highest and most noble chapter of the Holy Book, as God says in verse 87 of Surah “: We have given you the seven dual (verses, Al-Fatiha) and the Mighty Holy Reading (Quran),” that is to say, the first Surah has been equated with the “Mighty Holy Reading”. Also, it is the only Surah that must be read in the daily prayer.

Surah Al-Fatiha begins with praising God, the Rahman (the beneficent) and Rahim (the merciful).

“Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” (Verses 2-3)

God has frequently introduced Himself with these two attributes: Rahman and Rahim.

Interpreters have said about the difference between the two words that Rahman refers to the broadness and inclusiveness of divine compassion that benefits all people, whether they are believers or non-believers, whereas Rahim describes the everlasting mercy and eternal blessing of God that is only for the faithful. (Al-Mizan Quran Exegesis)

It has also been narrated from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that “God has 100 Rahmas (compassions), one of which He has sent down to earth and divided among His servants. It is with that one Rahma that people are kind and show benevolence to one another. With the other 99 Rahmas, God will show mercy to His servants on the Day of Judgment”. (Majma al-Bayan)

It should be noted that the number 100 here is only for showing the abundance of God’s mercy, because His mercy is infinite and inestimable.

Surah Al-Fatiha also discusses Sirat al-Mustaqim (the Straight Path). Sirat al-Mustaqim means a clear and broad and smooth path that does not divert to any direction. In the Quran, Sirat al-Mustaqim means the path of worshipping God, the true faith and commitment to God’s commandments. As well as verse 7 of Surah Al-Fatiha, we read in verse 161 of Surah Al-An’am, “Say: ‘My Lord has guided me to a Straight Path, an upright religion….’”

God says in verse 59 of Surah An-Nisa that this path required obedience in three cases: “Believers, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you dispute about anything refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and the best interpretation.”