بِسۡمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

ٱلرَّحْمَٰن

The name—or what I prefer to call the attribute—of Allah, ٱلرَّحْمَٰن (Ar-Raḥmān), is usually translated into English as “The Most Merciful.” While this is generally a reasonable translation, it does not fully capture the depth of meaning carried by ٱلرَّحْمَٰن. In common usage, “merciful” is often associated with sparing someone from harm, usually after the possibility of punishment or vengeance. The concept conveyed by Ar-Raḥmān, however, is far broader and more foundational than this. Grammatically and etymologically, the name Ar-Raḥmān is derived from the root ر-ح-م, which is also the root of رَحِم (raḥim), meaning the womb. This connection points to a form of mercy that is nurturing, encompassing, and intrinsic, rather than reactive or conditional.

Ar-Raḥmān takes care of people unconditionally. In this relationship, the one being cared for may or may not acknowledge the love, kindness, and mercy shown to them, but regardless of that response, Ar-Raḥmān continues to care for them. This care extends to all people, whether they are believers or not. It is given without expectation of return, much like the way a mother cares for her child without anticipating anything in return. This رَحْمَة is unconditional, not dependent on belief, recognition, or response. Therefore, the reason I feel that the core meaning of ٱلرَّحْمَٰن is not fully justified by any English translation is because of this deeper and more expansive understanding of the name.