Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem - the Most Gracious, The Bestower of Mercy

1. Ar-Rahman – The Most Gracious, The All-Merciful. Ar-Raheem - The Bestower of Mercy

This is one of Allah's names which is most frequently used in the Qur'an, at the beginning of each chapter of the Quran except for one [surah at-Tawbah 9], and in many other places and times; such as before we eat or drink, before prayer and before getting undressed and dressed. One should recite ‘Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem’ [in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful]

“Be Merciful to those who are on this earth and the One in heaven will have Mercy upon you.” (Al-Bukhari)

Allah gives us extra special Mercy as a reward for believing in Him, doing good deeds and obeying Him. We should always remember that Allah loves you very much, and always try hard to make Allah happy and not disappoint Him. Everyone, now and then we make mistakes, so when you make a mistake remember Allah and ask Him for forgiveness because He is Ar-Rahman, He has lots of Mercy for us and loves it when you ask Him for forgiveness.

"Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." [Qur'an: Surah al-Baqarah (the Cow) 2, verse 222]

We were not created to be perfect nobody is. At times we sin and fall into bad habits, but we should always remember that Allah will not run out of mercy. You can always turn to Him and honestly and humbly ask Him for forgiveness. We are in constant need of Allah, but Allah doesn't require anything from us.

Allah loves it when we are kind and merciful to one another, and show kindness and mercy to His creatures; insects and animals. So, you should always try to be merciful to others and in return, Allah will be merciful to you.

The name ar-Rahman is reserved only for Allah alone, a person who to be called Rahman must have the prefix Abdur, meaning servant of the merciful: Abdur Rahaman, not just Rahman on its own. Ar-Rahman is understood to be all-encompassing mercy, His Mercy extends over everything and everyone. A mercy that knows no bounds.

“Allah created 100 mercies, then He put one of them among His creatures by which they love one another, and Allah has the other 99” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

The Prophet (PBUH) described Allah's mercy as vast and greater than a mother's love for her child. This Hadith shows how much Mercy Allah has and how Compassionate He is. If only one of His mercies is with us and we really reflect on how much we love our parents, spouses and children. And how we would do anything for those in which we love. It is impossible to imagine the greater Mercy Allah holds with Himself. Subhan’Allah (Glory be to Allah).

“Indeed, the Mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (Quran 7:56)

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘No one will be saved [from the Hell-Fire and admitted into the Paradise] by his deeds alone.’ When asked, ‘Not even you! O Messenger of Allah, Peace and blessings be upon him.’ He said, ‘Yes not even me. Unless Allah covers me with His Mercy. So, try your best to keep on the right path, adopt moderation, make your life journey easy by travelling in the morning, in the evening, and during part of the night, and always remember moderation. Thus, you will reach your destination.’ [Bukhari, Muslim; Abu Hurayrah]

Allah is Kind and Gentle. He is Merciful and Forgiving when we make mistakes and commit sins and He never runs out of Mercy for us. To have mercy means to be kind, gentle, compassionate, generous, forgiving. There are many people in Shaa Allah, who have shown mercy to you and others, and times where you have shown mercy to others, by being kind, forgiving and gentle. Remember Allah's mercy predominates His Wrath.