Meaning of Surah Rahman

The first word of this Surah is called its name. It means that it starts from the word Ar-Rahman. The meaning of Surah Rahman in English is ‘Most Beneficient‘. In Urdu, the meaning of Surah Rehman is ‘سب سے زیادہ فائدہ مند‘. In Hindi, the meaning of Surah Rahman is परम हितकारी. In German the meaning is ‘Äußerst wohltuend‘ and in French, the meaning is ‘Le plus bénéfique‘.

There are so many meanings of Surah Rahman but all convey the same meaning and praise ALLAH. Other meanings are Most Gracious and Most Merciful.

Al-Rehman has three features in it.

1- By definition the meaning is ‘Extreme’. It means the Mercy of Allah is countless and of extreme type.

2- The other meaning is ‘Happening in the present’. For example, if a man is generous to someone at a specific time and then you tell this to your friend some other time, it doesn’t mean that the person is generous at that time also when you are describing him.

3- The other meaning of Ar-Rahman is ‘Temporary’. Like Thirst and Hunger…Water takes thirst away and food takes hunger away, the same is happening with Allah’s Mercy, something takes it away.

This Surah is also called the ‘Aroos ul Quran’ (Bride Of Quran, Beauty Of Quran)

From start to end, this surah explains ALLAH’s attributes, showing mercy on its creature and its benefits. This Surah repeatedly emphasizes the question “Which of the favours of your Lord will you deny? فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ .It explains the blessings of Allah Taala and emphasizes that one should show thoughtfulness on this and be thankful to Allah for all these blessings and signs present in the world.

Importance of Surah Rahman:

There are many benefits of recitation of Surah Rahman and its importance is also explained in ahadees. Hazrat Abdullah Bin Masood said that Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) said ‘Everything has an embellishment and the embellishment of the Quran is Surah Ar-Rehman‘. This shows the importance and virtue of Surah Rehman.

Nazool:

Most scholar takes this surah as Makki and ‘Abdullah Ibn Abbas’ narrates it as Madni. It resembles Makki’s surah.

Mozu and Mazmoon:

It is only surah in which ALLAH has addressed both creatures (Human and Jinn). Dono ko ALLAH k qdrat k kamalaat or behisaab ehsanat, or us kay muqblay me inki bebasi or nafarmani kay injaam say daraya gaya hay.

Inference|Meaning of Surat Rahman:

• Ayat 1-4: The teaching of the Quran is from ALLAH and His Mercy requires that he should provide the teachings for the guidance of human beings because human beings are called ‘Ashraf ul Makhloqaat’.
• Ayat 5-6: The whole system of all universe is run under command by ALLAH and everything belongs to him and there is no other God but ALLAH.
• Ayat 7-9: ALLAH has balanced everything in justice that everything runs in order and no one leaves its circle. So, ALLAH also wants creatures living in the universe to do justice and not let the balance out of anything.
• Ayat: 10-25: Besides describing Allah’s Mercy and power, it has also pointed towards Allah’s blessings due to which humans are becoming fortunate.
• Ayat 26-30: ALLAH told the human and jinn that there is no one but me (ALLAH). There is not any single creature from small to big who doesn’t need ALLAH for their needs, What’s happening in the universe and day and night everything is happening according to his will.
• Ayat 31-36: Humans and Jinn are warned here that there will be a day of judgment and on that day you will be asked what you have done and you will not be able to secure yourself from this day. ALLAH has surrounded you and you can’t run from this. If you are proud then run where ever you can run.
• Ayat: 37-38: Questioning will done on the day of Judgment about what you have done in the universe.
• Ayat 39-45: Humans and Jinn have been told about their result which was not obeying ALLAH and his commands.
• Ayat 46-78: Here, he talks about the gift that will be given on the day of judgment to those humans and jinn who lead their lives according to his commandments by keeping in view that someday they will meet their God (ALLAH) and will be questioned about their acts and lives.

The following topics are discussed in Surah Ar-Rahman.

Divine Mercy:

Surah Rahman highlights countless mercy of ALLAH SWT, which starts from the verse “Ar-Rahman” (The Most Beneficent). Surah Ar-Rahman reminds the believers that the blessings and favors of ALLAH SWT that are bestowed on us are limitless. (فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ)

Quran Revelation:

Surah Rahman emphasizes that the Quran is a marvelous revelation from ALLAH SWT, serving humanity for their goodness. It says that by following the guidance of the Quran we will have a righteous life. عَلَّمَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ

Human and Jinn Creation:

The creation of Jinn and mankind is addressed in Surah Rahman, demonstrating ALLAH’s power and wisdom. Jinn is created from the smokeless flame of the fire. Both beings are reminded to live purposefully according to ALLAH’s commands. خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن صَلْصَـٰلٍۢ كَٱلْفَخَّارِ ﴿۱٤﴾ وَخَلَقَ ٱلْجَآنَّ مِن مَّارِجٍۢ مِّن نَّارٍۢ

Education:

Surah Rahman emphasizes seeking knowledge because ALLAH teaches humans what they don’t know so that humans can understand the commands of ALLAH and their creation of purpose.

Communication:

In Surah Rahman: The gift of speech and communication is given to humans to convey their thoughts and ideas to others to spread good and truth. خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ﴿۳﴾ عَلَّمَهُ ٱلْبَيَانَ

Balance and Natural Phenomenon:

The balanced creation of this natural world is maintained by ALLAH, which highlights the precision of the universe’s functioning and emphasizes the importance of balance in the heavens and the earth. (وَٱلسَّمَآءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ ٱلْمِيزَانَ)

Signs and Symptoms in Nature:

Various points that have been pointed out in Surah Rahman for reflecting ALLAH’s greatness are The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars to remind his creatures that there is someone all alone and powerful named ALLAH so that his creatures recognize his greatness and sovereignty. ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍۢ ﴿۵﴾ وَٱلنَّجْمُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَانِ (٦)

Day of Judgment:

Surah Rahman reminds the believers of the Day of Judgment, where everyone will be held accountable for their deeds so it serves as a warning to live righteously. فَيَوْمَئِذٍۢ لَّا يُسْـَٔلُ عَن ذَنۢبِهِۦٓ إِنسٌۭ وَلَا جَآنٌ

Rewards for the Believers:

Rewards for the believers are described here like in paradise they will have lush gardens, rivers of milk and vines, and most importantly there will be immortality, which means you won’t die there like in this world. These rewards motivate his creature to live a pious life acting to his commands. وَمِن دُونِهِمَا جَنَّتَانِ

Punishment for the Non-Believers:

This surah also outlines the severe punishment for those who are wrongdoers. هَـٰذِهِۦ جَهَنَّمُ ٱلَّتِى يُكَذِّبُ بِهَا ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ ﴿۳۲﴾ يَطُوفُونَ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَ حَمِيمٍ ءَانٍۢ ﴿٤٤﴾ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Universal Call to Reflection:

In the Surah, the blessings and signs of Allah are repeatedly emphasized. Every aspect of creation bears the divine presence, and this message encourages people to recognize and contemplate it.

Marine Resources:

In Surah Rahman, the pearls and the corals are exemplary marine resources that highlight the bounty of ALLAH and the signs of generosity to his creatures. يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُمَا ٱللُّؤْلُؤُ وَٱلْمَرْجَانُ

In short, the Surah Rahman has many features and meanings in its name. Linguistically its meaning is different and idiometically meanings are different.