Mercy in Islamic Thought: Raḥmah (رحمة)
Mercy (Raḥmah) is an essential concept within Islamic theology and practice. It derives from the Arabic root (ر-ح-م), meaning to show compassion and kindness. The term “Raḥmah” features prominently in the Qurʾān and Hadith, illustrating the profound nature of divine mercy as an inherent and supreme attribute of Allah.
Etymology and Lexical Insight
Etymology:
- Arabic: رحمة (Raḥmah) - Mercy, compassion.
- Hebrew: רַחַם (Raḥam) - To have compassion, to love.
Both the Arabic and Hebrew roots display a thematic connection, indicating a shared cultural understanding of mercy and compassion.
Divine Mercy in the Qurʾān
Mercy is highlighted as a pivotal attribute of Allah in the Qurʾān, with nearly every chapter beginning with Bismillāhi ‘r-Raḥmāni ‘r-Raḥīm: “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.” This omnipresent invocation accentuates the mercy that permeates the divine essence.
In the Qurʾān, Raḥmah is multifaceted:
- Divine Essence: Described as intrinsic to Allah.
- Human Example: Exemplified by God’s prophets and righteous believers.
Theological Interpretations
Tafsīr-i-Raufī:
- Ar-Raḥmān: Exclusively divine.
- Ar-Raḥīm: Applicable to both God and creatures.
Jalālān and Al-Baiẓāwī:
- Equate the two terms, illustrating their interchangeable use despite nuanced connotations.
Al-Baiẓāwī’s Commentary:
- Emphasizes “softness of heart” (riqqatu ’l-qalb) and kindness, portraying divine sympathy despite Allah’s unchangeable nature.
Mercy Verses in the Qurʾān
- Divine Treasures of Mercy: Indicating the inexhaustible nature of Allah’s kindness and forgiveness. (Sūrahs xvii. 102, xviii. 81)
- Paradise as Mercy: Describes heavenly reward as a manifestation of divine mercy. (Sūrah iii. 103)
Significant Qurʾānic References
- Mercy Encompasses All: “My mercy embraces everything.” (Sūrah vii. 155)
- Despairing Forbidden: “Do not despair of God’s mercy; indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Sūrah xxxix. 54)
- Exclusive to Those in Error: “Only those who err despair of the mercy of their Lord.” (Sūrah xv. 56)
Traditions of Mercy
Hadith Literature:
- God’s Overwhelming Mercy Over Wrath: “My mercy overcomes my anger.” (Mishkāt, book x. ch. 4)
- One Hundred Mercies: - One for the world, ninety-nine reserved for the Day of Judgment.
Interreligious and Cultural Perspectives
Christianity’s Recognition: Christians in the Qurʾān are acknowledged for their mercy and compassion (Sūrah lvii. 27), indicating shared values across faiths.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Compassion, Kindness, Benevolence, Pity, Grace.
- Related Terms:
- Raʾfah (رأفة): Compassion.
- Maghfirah (مغفرة): Forgiveness.
- Rahīm (رحيم): Compassionate, Kind.
Interesting Facts and Quotations
- Mishkāt Al-Maṣābīḥ: “God created mercy in one hundred parts and divided one part for the mercy among His creation.”
- The Dual Invocation: The dual attribute Raḥmān and Raḥīm emphasize the perpetual and encompassing nature of divine compassion.
Suggested Literature
- “The Mercy of Allah in Islamic Theology” by M. ibn Muhumm / 2011
- “The Compassionate and Merciful in the Qurʾān” by N. El-Amin / 2015
- “Raḥmah: Divine Compassion in Islamic Spirituality” by Z. Arif / 2018
Quizzes
### What is the primary attribute inferred from "Raḥmah" in Islamic theology?
- [x] Mercy and Compassion
- [ ] Justice
- [ ] Power
- [ ] Knowledge
> **Explanation:** Raḥmah (رحمة) in Islam primarily denotes mercy and compassion, reflecting God's soft-heartedness towards His creation.
### According to Islamic teachings, what is considered a cardinal sin related to mercy?
- [ ] Arrogance
- [ ] Jealousy
- [x] Despair of God's mercy
- [ ] Greed
> **Explanation:** Despairing of God's mercy is deemed a cardinal sin, underscoring the boundless and forgiving nature of divine compassion in the Qurʾān (Sūrah xxxix. 54).
### Who are blessed with mercy alongside God in the Qurʾān?
- [ ] The Prophets
- [x] The Christians
- [ ] The Angels
- [ ] The Animals
> **Explanation:** The Qurʾān recognizes Christians as those in whose hearts God "placed mercy (raḥmah) and compassion" (Sūrah lvii. 27).
### True or False: Ar-Raḥmān can be applied to both God and creatures.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Ar-Raḥmān is an exclusive attribute of God, whereas Ar-Raḥīm can be used for both God and creatures. This shows the unique and supreme nature of divine mercy.
### What does the Hadith state about God’s division of mercies?
- [ ] Ten mercies for the world, ninety for the hereafter
- [x] One mercy for the world, ninety-nine for the hereafter
- [ ] Twenty for the world, eighty for the hereafter
- [ ] Fifty for the world, fifty for the hereafter
> **Explanation:** A Hadith narrates that God created one hundred mercies, sending one to the world and reserving ninety-nine for His people on the Day of Judgment, showcasing His infinite mercy.
### Which Sūrah is exclusively known as the "Chapter of Mercy"?
- [ ] Sūrah Al-Baqarah
- [ ] Sūrah Al-Ikhlās
- [x] Sūrah Ar-Rahmān
- [ ] Sūrah Yāsīn
> **Explanation:** Sūrah Ar-Rahmān is known as the "Chapter of Mercy" for its extensive exploration of the bounties and mercies of Allah.
### According to Tafsīr-i-Raufī, what is the distinction between Ar-Raḥmān and Ar-Raḥīm?
- [ ] Both are strictly exclusive to God.
- [x] Ar-Raḥmān is applicable only to God, Ar-Raḥīm is applied to both God and creatures.
- [ ] Both terms are used only for creatures.
- [ ] They are names of angels.
> **Explanation:** According to Tafsīr-i-Raufī, Ar-Raḥmān is solely applicable to God, while Ar-Raḥīm can describe both divine and human compassion.
### Which chapter in the Qurʾān notably starts with Bismillāhi 'r-Raḥmāni 'r-Raḥīm?
- [ ] Sūrah Al-Fātiḥah is excluded.
- [ ] Sūrah At-Tawbah
- [x] All chapters except the IXth
- [ ] None of the chapters
> **Explanation:** Every chapter in the Qurʾān commences with Bismillāhi 'r-Raḥmāni 'r-Raḥīm except the IXth chapter, emphasizing the perpetual invocation of divine mercy.
In the warmth of divine mercy, may we find the courage to extend compassion and kindness to all beings.
ella N. Norik Publishing. 2023
