Ar-Ra’uf (The Names of Allah)

Channel name

Names of Allah

Views

48

Posted by

date and time

4/11/2024 1:38 AM

Share

The name "Ar-Ra'uf" (The Most Kind) is mentioned numerous times by Allah in the Quran. Examples include:

  • In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah says:

    "Allah has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhajireen and the Ansar who followed him in the hour of difficulty after the hearts of a group of them had almost deviated. Then He forgave them. Indeed, He is to them Kind and Merciful." (At-Tawbah, 9:117)

  • In Surah An-Nahl, Allah says:

    "Or He could seize them during their fear. Indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful." (An-Nahl, 16:47)

  • In Surah An-Nur, Allah says:

    "And if it were not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, and that Allah is Kind and Merciful." (An-Nur, 24:20)

These verses highlight Allah’s kindness and mercy in different situations, showing His care and compassion for His servants.

 
 

Related Articles

55

4/11/2024

Names of Allah

Al-Hakim (The Names of Allah)

The Wisest of the Wise and the Bestower of Wisdom is Allah, Al-Hakim (The All-Wise). He creates nothing in vain, nor does He legislate without purpose. To Him belongs the ruling in this world and the Hereafter. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And He is the Subjugator over His servants, and He is the Wise, […]

42

4/11/2024

Names of Allah

Al-Haqq(The names of Allah)

Al-Haqq: One of Allah’s Names, meaning “The Absolute Truth.” Al-Haqq signifies that Allah is the ultimate reality, whose existence is undeniable and who embodies perfect justice and authenticity. Everything He decrees is rooted in truth, and all creation depends on His existence, while He is self-sufficient. Al-Haqq is the one whose word is unchanging and […]

38

4/11/2024

Names of Allah

Al-Qayyum (The Names of Allah)

Al-Qayyum: One of Allah’s Beautiful Names, Al-Qayyum signifies “The Self-Sustaining, Eternal One,” embodying His absolute continuity in action and attributes, as well as His vigilant oversight over all beings and their deeds. This name points to the perfect independence and completeness of Allah’s power, His governance, and His unceasing care over creation.  

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:

  • 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)

  • 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.

Related Articles

55

4/11/2024

Names of Allah

Al-Hakim (The Names of Allah)

The Wisest of the Wise and the Bestower of Wisdom is Allah, Al-Hakim (The All-Wise). He creates nothing in vain, nor does He legislate without purpose. To Him belongs the ruling in this world and the Hereafter. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And He is the Subjugator over His servants, and He is the Wise, […]

42

4/11/2024

Names of Allah

Al-Haqq(The names of Allah)

Al-Haqq: One of Allah’s Names, meaning “The Absolute Truth.” Al-Haqq signifies that Allah is the ultimate reality, whose existence is undeniable and who embodies perfect justice and authenticity. Everything He decrees is rooted in truth, and all creation depends on His existence, while He is self-sufficient. Al-Haqq is the one whose word is unchanging and […]

38

4/11/2024

Names of Allah

Al-Qayyum (The Names of Allah)

Al-Qayyum: One of Allah’s Beautiful Names, Al-Qayyum signifies “The Self-Sustaining, Eternal One,” embodying His absolute continuity in action and attributes, as well as His vigilant oversight over all beings and their deeds. This name points to the perfect independence and completeness of Allah’s power, His governance, and His unceasing care over creation.  

Download App Now

Download The Most Powerful Comprehensive Islamic App
With More Than 15 Million Downloads Worldwide!