Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah - Naib Amir USA & Chairman Markazi Al Islam Team
Published: October 4, 2025
Rahmaniyat and Rahimiyat are two core attributes of God in Islamic theology, reflecting His graciousness and mercy in distinct ways. Understanding these divine attributes helps believers appreciate both the universal blessings they receive and the special mercy available through righteous effort.
Rahmaniyat refers to the comprehensive, universal graciousness of God. This attribute manifests as blessings and provisions for all creation—humans, animals, and the universe—regardless of their actions or beliefs.
Examples include sunlight, air, water, and other natural bounties that sustain life, granted to everyone without discrimination. Rahmaniyat does not require any effort or supplication from recipients; it signifies generosity without expectation or conditions.
The Qur'an states: "Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon the Gracious (Rahman); whichever you call upon, to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names'" (Surah Al-Isra 17:111).
Rahimiyat represents God's special mercy that is reserved for those who seek Him and strive to be righteous. It is conditional—a person must demonstrate effort, worship, prayer, and purity of heart to receive this mercy.
Rahimiyat is described as a continuous and enduring mercy, unlike the broad, indiscriminate nature of Rahmaniyat. The Qur'an states that God is Rahim (Merciful) towards believers specifically, and He rewards those who do good and follow His commandments.
"And Allah is Most Merciful (Rahim) to His servants" (Surah Ash-Shura 42:20).
Unconditional, universal, and given to all creation, without request or merit. It encompasses the fundamental provisions that sustain all life forms, regardless of their spiritual state or beliefs.
Conditional, enduring, and specifically for those who make an effort through worship and righteousness. This mercy is reserved for those who seek divine guidance and strive to live according to God's commandments.
Both attributes are mentioned together in Islamic scripture, emphasizing the balance of God's universal grace and His special, reward-based mercy. Rahmaniyat is tied to creation itself, while Rahimiyat is associated with spiritual growth and guidance for those who seek closeness to the divine.
"In the name of Allah, the Gracious (Rahman), the Merciful (Rahim)" (Surah Al-Fatiha 1:1).
The Qur'an emphasizes this distinction: "He is Allah, besides Whom there is no God; the Gracious (Rahman), the Merciful (Rahim)" (Surah Al-Hashr 59:23).
Understanding Rahmaniyat encourages believers to show gratitude for the unconditional blessings they receive daily—the air they breathe, the water they drink, the sunlight that sustains life, and the countless other provisions that come without any effort on their part.
Recognizing Rahimiyat motivates believers to strive for righteousness, engage in worship, maintain purity of heart, and seek divine guidance to attain God's special mercy and spiritual rewards.
This distinction encourages believers to show gratitude for unconditional blessings (Rahmaniyat) and to strive for righteousness to attain God's special mercy (Rahimiyat). It reflects the perfect balance in God's nature—universal compassion for all creation alongside special guidance and reward for those who seek Him.
The understanding of Rahmaniyat and Rahimiyat provides a comprehensive view of divine love and mercy. Rahmaniyat reminds us of God's universal care for all creation, while Rahimiyat calls us to spiritual growth and righteous living. Together, these attributes demonstrate the perfect balance of divine justice and mercy, encouraging both gratitude for universal blessings and effort toward spiritual excellence.
Allahu A'alam
