One of the most common ideas for a long time concerning the difference between “Al-Rahman” and “Al-Rahim” is the generality of the function of “Al-Rahman” and the specificity of the function of “Al-Rahim”. This view has been expressed in different interpretations, the most common of which is that “al-Rahman” includes all human beings or all creatures, but “al-Rahim” includes only believers. Based on a descriptive-analytical method, this study examined the origin and validity of this view. Despite the attempts to introduce it based on Qur’anic and literary evidence, it contradicts the total Qur’anic usage of “Al-Rahman” and “Al-Rahim”. In addition, the etymological construction of two good descriptions is not consistent with it as well. Finally, based on the Qur’anic usage and etymology form, it can be said that “al-Rahman” is an internal attribute that does not belong to the external source. “Al-Rahim” is an active adjective with stages, one of which is general for all and the strong and permanent of which is associated with specific people. Moreover, in some hadiths, it has been said that this view is not authentic, while it is proved that because of Qur’anic and literary usage of these two words, such hadiths are not acceptable. However, it is possible to have an interpretation of hadiths, agreeing with the chosen view.
Keywords: Al-Rahman؛ Al-Rahim؛ The scope of mercy؛ General mercy؛ Special mercy
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Rezaei Kahnamoei, A. (2022). Evaluating the Famous Theory about the Inclusion of “Al-Rahmānīyah” and “Al-Rahīmīyah”. Researches of Quran and Hadith Sciences, 19(2), 73-105. doi: 10.22051/tqh.2022.35727.3185
MLA
Ali Rezaei Kahnamoei. "Evaluating the Famous Theory about the Inclusion of “Al-Rahmānīyah” and “Al-Rahīmīyah”". Researches of Quran and Hadith Sciences, 19, 2, 2022, 73-105. doi: 10.22051/tqh.2022.35727.3185
HARVARD
Rezaei Kahnamoei, A. (2022). 'Evaluating the Famous Theory about the Inclusion of “Al-Rahmānīyah” and “Al-Rahīmīyah”', Researches of Quran and Hadith Sciences, 19(2), pp. 73-105. doi: 10.22051/tqh.2022.35727.3185
VANCOUVER
Rezaei Kahnamoei, A. Evaluating the Famous Theory about the Inclusion of “Al-Rahmānīyah” and “Al-Rahīmīyah”. Researches of Quran and Hadith Sciences, 2022; 19(2): 73-105. doi: 10.22051/tqh.2022.35727.3185