Both these names are derived from the word rahmah (mercy). Generally, both these names can be translated as the Most Merciful. However, since every word in the Quran Hakeem has a different meaning, the learned scholars have mentioned differences between them, by which the vastness of Allah Jalla Jalaalahu’s Mercy comes to light, and the realization of His compassion penetrates the heart.
1. Abdullah ibn Mubaarak Rahimahullaaah states :
“Ar-Rahmaan (Jalla Jalaalahu) is that Being (Jalla Jalaalahu) Who, when asked, Gives,
and Ar-Raheem (Jalla Jalaalahu) is that Being (Jalla Jalaalahu) Who, when not asked, becomes Angry.”
A compassionate teacher does not like his student to run around for guidance and is restless to provide guidance for him. A mother does not like her children to run to others for their needs. In a like manner, Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu - who is more compassionate than seventy mothers with His servants – cannot bear to see His creation running around restlessly to the creation, stretching his hands before them for his needs.
Sayyiduna Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said :
“The one who does not place his needs before Allaah (Jalla Jalaalahu), He (Jalla Jalaalahu) becomes Angry with him.” (Tirmidhi)
2. Another difference in Ar-Rahmaan (Jalla Jalaalahu) and Ar-Raheem (Jalla Jalaalahu) has been mentioned :
Ar-Rahmaan (Jalla Jalaalahu) refers to that Being (Jalla Jalaalahu) whose Mercy is Extensive. This means that the benefit of this Mercy reaches one and all. Ar-Raheem (Jalla Jalaalahu) refers to that Being (Jalla Jalaalahu) whose Mercy is Intensive. This means that it is Complete and Perfect. In this world, Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu’s Mercy is poured onto every person, whether believer or disbeliever, in the form of all worldly bounties. In the hereafter, the disbelievers will be deprived of Mercy, and the believers will receive every type of Mercy to the fullest extent. In every Bounty they receive, there will not be the slightest portion of difficulty.
The general Mercy is enjoyed by believers, and disbelievers in this world. At every moment in time, all benefit from the Divine Showers of Grace. However, the perfect and complete mercy will be manifest on only the believers in the Hereafter, where they will be drowned in the oceans of comfort and enjoyments forever, and saved from every type of worry, sorrow, complications, and distress.
A true Muslim does not become distressed on seeing the outward happiness, wealth and material easiness enjoyed by the disbelievers. He is ever hopeful of the perfect and everlasting bounties of Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu which are being prepared for him in Jannah.
Differences between Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu’s Mercy and man’s mercy:
a. Whatever mercy is in man’s heart has been created by Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu. This shows that Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu’s Mercy is Perfect, compared to man’s.
b. Man’s mercy is due to some benefit; either removing some pain which he feels in his heart or gaining something in this world or in the hereafter; whereas Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu’s Mercy is not due to attaining some benefit. He (Jalla Jalaalahu) is The Embodiment of Generosity (Jalla Jalaalahu).
c. Whatever good man does to another, is by means of those items which Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu has Granted man. Thus, the True Benefactor (Jalla Jalaalahu) is only Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu.
d. When man does good, there is a decrease outwardly in his wealth or treasures. For this reason, an opposing thought is created in the heart not to spend, causing one to spend less or not spend. Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu’s Treasures are Limitless, so there is no limit to His Kindness (Jalla Jalaalahu).
e. Man’s mercy is limited, whereas the Mercy of Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu is Unlimited, and Infinite. Sayyiduna Rasululallah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam mentioned that Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu has 100 Portions of Mercy. From amongst these, one Portion of Mercy has descended on jinn, humans, animals, and insects. Due to this one Portion of Mercy, people show kindness and softness to one another, wild animals show affection to their young ones.
Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu has kept 99 Portions for the Day of Judgement, by means of which He (Jalla Jalaalahu) will Shower His Mercy (Jalla Jalaalahu) on His (Jalla Jalaalahu) servants. In one narration it is mentioned that on the day of Qiyaamah, Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu will join this worldly Mercy to the other 99 Portions, thus making it complete. (Then He (Jalla Jalaalahu) will Shower Mercy on His (Jalla Jalaalahu) Servants with all 100 Portions of Mercy). (Muslim)
(This example is merely to make man understand The Great Mercy of Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu. His Mercy (Jalla Jalaalahu) is far greater.)
An imprisoned women was searching for her child, while the other prisoners were being presented to Sayyiduna Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. When she found her child, then due to her intense love, she held her child to her bosom and began feeding it milk.
Sayyiduna Rasulullah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam asked, “Do you think that this woman will ever throw her child into a fire?” We said, “No, by Allaah Jalla Jalaalahu ! She will never throw it!”
Sayyiduna Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam then said :
“Allaah (Jalla Jalaalahu) is more Merciful to His (Jalla Jalaalahu) Servants, in comparison to this mother with her child.” (Bukhari, Muslim)