This Could Change Your Relationship With Allah, Forever
Today we'll be looking at the significance and meaning of the two names of God, ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim, which we say at the beginning of the prayer in:
ุจูุณูู ู ุงูููู ุงูุฑููุญูู ูฐูู ุงูุฑููุญูููู ู
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim
As discussed in my previous post, both of these names relate to rahmah: God's love, care and mercy.
But how are they different? And how can understanding these two names change your relationship with Allah, forever?
The prevalence of God's rahmah
The first thing I want you to realize and appreciate is that out of all His beautiful names and attributes...
...Allah chose to introduce Himself with these two, ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim, at the beginning of His final revelation.
In fact, every chapter (surah) in the Qur'an except for one begins with: Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim.
Why is this significant?
When you introduce yourself, you tell people the most important thing you want them to know about you...
What makes you... YOU?
In that way, God begins by telling us what's most important and prominent about Him that we should know.
That's why I call this prayer tip: The Best Beginning.
Also, in multiple verses in the Qur'an, when God reminds us about who He is at the most fundamental level, He uses these two names.
For example:
Your God is [the] one God: there is no god except Him, ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim. (2:163)
He is God—there is no god other than Him: Knower of the seen and unseen. He is ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim. (59:22)
The perfect combination
Let's explore how each name is unique, and how together they form an amazing, all-encompassing combination!
There are three primary opinions about the differences between ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim...
Opinion 1: Ar-Rahman is God’s nature or quality of being loving, caring and merciful...
...while ar-Rahim is the action of giving or bestowing that love, care and mercy.
This is why some translate ar-Rahman as the Lord of Mercy (His nature), and ar-Rahim as the Giver of Mercy (His action).
Some describe it like this: ar-Rahman answers the question of WHO, while ar-Rahim answers the question of HOW.
Opinion 2: Ar-Rahman is more general, while ar-Rahim is more particular.
God is unconditionally ar-Rahman to everyone and everything. As He says:
"My rahmah encompasses everything." (7:156)
“Your Lord is infinite in rahmah." (6:147)
But He is ar-Rahim specifically / especially to the believers, or to anyone who turns back to Him and shows that they want His rahmah.
For example:
Say, ‘[God says], O my servants who have harmed themselves by your own excess, do not despair of God’s rahmah. God forgives all sins: He is truly the Most Forgiving, ar-Rahim. (39:53)
Whoever commits evil, or wrongs themselves, then seeks God’s forgiveness will certainly find God All-Forgiving, Rahim. (4:110)
Moreover, ar-Rahman can be seen as God's love, care and mercy in the context of this world (for everyone and everything)...
...while ar-Rahim can be seen as God's love, care and mercy that is given in the hereafter (specifically to the believers).
Opinion 3: Based on the word pattern in Arabic, Rahman refers to abundance...
So ar-Rahman is the One who is extremely and unimaginably loving, caring and merciful.
The pattern of the word Rahim refers to consistency and continuity...
So ar-Rahim is the One who is constantly and always loving, caring and merciful.
—
How to apply this practically
1. Applying it to your present
When you say this phrase meaningfully (in or outside prayer), it should fill you with confidence and hope...
...because your relationship with your Lord is not one based on anger, tension or frustration.
Rather, it is a positive, loving and forgiving relationship.
That sentiment is so powerful and helpful not only for the quality of your prayer... but for showing up to pray in the first place!
You'll want to pray, out of love and gratitude... instead of feeling like you have to pray, out of fear or obligation.
2. Applying it to your past and future
Don't allow your past to dictate your future.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say that the reason they don't pray is because: they've missed so many prayers (perhaps years of them), or made so many mistakes, in the past.
The feelings of guilt and inadequacy lead people to conclude that there’s just no point in trying anymore...
...or that they are not worthy to stand in front of God.
If this is you, or maybe someone you know, please realize that... despair is from the devil!
No matter your errors, and despite your inconsistencies and shortcomings… there is always hope!
Our Lord is ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim, and His doors are always open.
So yes, do feel regret over past misdeeds. But use this feeling to propel you into positive action...
Turn back to God, repent sincerely, believe wholeheartedly that He has accepted your repentance, and move forward with optimism.
As He says:
As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds: God will replace their evil deeds with good deeds. God is Most Forgiving, Rahim. (25:70)
At your service,
Farzan Parupia
Founder & CEO
P.S. Now that we've completed our 3-part explanation of the phrase, Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim, I'd like to share this video with you...
It's the phrase being repeated in unison for about 10 minutes. I listen to it often, on my short ride to the office in the morning.
The mindful repetition helps me to remember and apply what we've covered. I hope you find the video to be useful and impactful.
