Al-Asma al-Husna
Ar-Rahman: meaning, transliteration and explanation
Who extends vast mercy to all creation
- Appears in the Quran
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Arabic
الرَّحْمَن
- Transliteration
- ar-Raḥmān
- Meaning
- "Ar-Rahman" means the One who extends vast mercy in this world to all creation, believer and disbeliever alike, without distinction. This name expresses the greatness and scope of mercy, and it is the most frequently used name after "Allah". In the Quran this name often appears together with the name "Ar-Rahim".
In the Quran
«Ar-Rahman, the possessor of boundless mercy, taught the Quran.»
Surah Ar-Rahman, 1-2Explanation
Vast and universal mercy
The word "Rahman" comes from the root "rahmah" (mercy) and expresses that this mercy is extremely vast. The fact that the sun, sustenance and health reach everyone in this world is a manifestation of Allah's name "Ar-Rahman". The Quran states, "Ar-Rahman rose above the Throne" (Surah Ta-Ha, 5).
A name that belongs to Allah alone
The name "Rahman", like the name "Allah", is attributed only to the Exalted Creator and given to no one else. The Quran states, "Say: Call upon Allah, or call upon Ar-Rahman; whichever you call upon, to Him belong the most beautiful names" (Surah Al-Isra, 110), mentioning these two names side by side.
Sources
This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.
- QuranSurah Ar-Rahman, 1
This surah begins with this name, and the effects of Allah's mercy are listed throughout it.
- QuranSurah Al-Isra, 110
The verse in which the names "Allah" and "Ar-Rahman" are used together.
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation and distinction between the names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim.
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-Rahman mean?
"Ar-Rahman" means the One who extends vast and immense mercy to all creation, without exception. This name expresses just how broad the scope of this mercy is.What is the difference between Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim?
According to a widely held explanation, "Rahman" expresses that mercy reaches everyone in this world, while "Rahim" expresses the mercy shown especially to believers in the Hereafter.