The word “Ra’uf” (The Kind) signifies a form of mercy, yet with a more specific and delicate nuance. Not every merciful act embodies “ra’fa” (tender compassion), nor does every mercy equate to tenderness, but every act of tenderness is merciful, and every “Ra’uf” is merciful.
In the Quran, Allah combines the words Ra’uf and Rahim (Merciful) in nine places, placing Ra’fa before Rahma to signify the priority of delicate compassion:
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Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.” (2:143)
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Allah also says in Surah At-Tawbah:
“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.” (9:128)
The Difference between Ra’fa (Tenderness) and Rahma (Mercy): Rahma (mercy) is broad, covering various forms of mercy, both immediate and deferred, and is ultimately beneficial.
Ra’fa is more specialized, representing goodness in all aspects, both visible and hidden, beginning and end, and it is inherently positive throughout.
Illustrative Example in the Quran: For the punishment of fornication, Allah says:
“The fornicatress and the fornicator, flog each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not let compassion (ra’fa) for them overtake you in the religion of Allah if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:2)
Allah uses Ra’fa rather than Rahma here because Ra’fa inherently implies immediate and final goodness; however, mercy can be complex, where even apparent hardship might lead to ultimate benefit.
Ra’fa and Believers: While Rahma can extend to both believers and non-believers, Allah’s Ra’fa is exclusive to the believers, as shown in verses highlighting His gentle compassion toward those who seek His pleasure.
Using Allah’s name, Ar-Ra’uf in supplication is especially suitable during times of great distress, seeking goodness and immediate relief without hardship or testing.