Al-Asma al-Husna
Ar-Rahim: meaning, transliteration and explanation
Who shows special and enduring mercy to the believers
- Appears in the Quran
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Arabic
الرَّحِيم
- Transliteration
- ar-Raḥīm
- Meaning
- "Ar-Rahim" means the One whose mercy is enduring, and who shows the believers incomparable mercy especially in the Hereafter. "Ar-Rahman" expresses the vastness of mercy, while "Ar-Rahim" expresses its continuity and its manifestation specific to believers. This is one of the most frequently repeated names in the Quran.
In the Quran
«Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim (whose mercy is abundant and enduring).»
Surah Al-Fatiha, 3Explanation
Enduring mercy
The word "Rahim" comes from the same root as "Rahman", but it expresses the continuity and constant manifestation of mercy. Allah shows special care to the believers: "He is ever Merciful (Rahim) to the believers" (Surah Al-Ahzab, 43).
Together with Ar-Rahman
Every time we say "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim", these two names are mentioned together. Ar-Rahman recalls the magnitude of mercy, while Ar-Rahim recalls that it reaches us continuously; together they make the servant both hopeful and grateful.
Sources
This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.
- QuranSurah Al-Fatiha, 3
This name appears at the beginning of Al-Fatiha together with the name Ar-Rahman.
- QuranSurah Al-Ahzab, 43
This verse states that Allah is Rahim (ever Merciful) toward the believers.
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name Ar-Rahim and its distinction from Ar-Rahman.
Related Names
Other Names with closely connected meanings.
As a personal name
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Name.
What does the name Ar-Rahim mean?
"Ar-Rahim" means Allah whose mercy is enduring, and who shows the believers incomparable mercy especially in the Hereafter.Why are the names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim said together?
Both come from the root of mercy; Ar-Rahman expresses its vastness, and Ar-Rahim expresses its continuity. These names are mentioned together in "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim".