2. Ar-Rahim — The Most Compassionate
Ism this, as explained previously, is the same as the word Ar Rahman, derived from the word rahima, meaning to bestow goodness upon a servant. Because of this, most of the explanation already given for the word Ar Rahman applies also to this ism. The only difference is: The mercy contained in the word Ar Rahman encompasses believers and disbelievers as well as all creatures; whereas the mercy contained in the word Ar Rahim is specific to the believers (Mukmin) alone. This is based on the words of Allah SWT which mean:
"... And He is Most Compassionate to the believers." (QS. Al-Ahzab: 43)
Other scholars have also stated their views on the difference between the words Ar Rahman and Ar Rahim as follows:
"Ar-Rahman is the Giver of blessings in a general sense. And Ar-Rahim is the Giver of blessings in a detailed sense."
The benefit is Among the benefits of ism this is that it softens the heart of the one who remembers Allah with it, so that the person becomes compassionate toward himself by way of obediently carrying out all of Allah's commands, and shows compassion to all of Allah's creatures by way of being merciful toward them.
Whoever fears falling into an act he dislikes should remember Allah with ism this and the previous ism ( Ar Rahman) one hundred times, then insha' Allah he will not fall into that act he dislikes.
Embodying the character of ism this makes a person fond of helping the poor and being merciful toward all of Allah's servants, whether obedient or sinful. In connection with this, some wise people have advised: "Show mercy to those on earth, and you will be shown mercy by those in the heavens."
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