Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem
The name "Ar Rahman" was not used by the Arab polytheists, who worshipped many gods and goddesses and did not have a concept of monotheism. The name "Ar Rahman" is specific to Islamic theology, which emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE after the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. In Islamic belief, Allah and the Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman in Arabic) are both names of the same one and only God. However, Allah is considered the more formal and specific name of God, while Ar-Rahman emphasizes the aspect of God's infinite mercy and compassion.
قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ
(Quran 17:110)
Translation: "Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call - to Him belong the best names.
The name "Ar Rahman" is specific to the Islamic faith and is not used in other religions. However, many other religions also have concepts of mercy, compassion, and loving-kindness that are similar in nature. In Christianity, for example, one of the primary teachings is that God is loving and merciful towards all people, and that forgiveness and redemption are available to those who seek it.
The term "Rachamim" is a Hebrew word that is often translated as "mercy" or "compassion". It is a central concept in Jewish thought and is frequently used in Jewish liturgy and prayer. Both "Rachamim" and "Ar Rahman" convey the idea of a deep, abiding mercy and compassion that comes from a higher power. They emphasize the importance of seeking and showing mercy to others, and both are associated with the idea of forgiveness and the desire for peace.
"Ar Rahman" is often translated as "the Most Merciful", while "Ar Raheem" is often translated as "the Most Compassionate". Similarly, in Judaism, "Rachamim" is often translated as "mercy" or "compassion".
"Ar Rahman" and "Ar Raheem" are Arabic terms that are primarily associated with Islamic belief. "Ar Rahman" emphasizes the idea of mercy and compassion as attributes of God that are infinite and encompassing, while "Ar Raheem" emphasizes the idea of compassion as a quality that is deeply felt and expressed in the world.
"Ar Raheem" is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It is often used in conjunction with the term "Ar Rahman", which emphasizes God's boundless and encompassing mercy. In Islamic prayer and liturgy, the phrase "Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) is frequently recited at the beginning of recitations, as a reminder of God's boundless compassion and mercy. the Quran that mention "Ar Raheem" include:
قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
"Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful (Ar Raheem).'" (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53)
Another verse:
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُصَلِّى عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتُهُۥ لِيُخْرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ ۚ وَكَانَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًۭا ٤٣
He is the One Who showers His blessings upon you—and His angels pray for you—so that He may bring you out of darkness and into light. For He is ever Merciful to the believers.
Surah al-Ahzab, verse 43