Islam > 99 names of allah > The Universally Merciful
Updated on 13 August 2026 at 4:39 AM
📖 1 min readThe Universally Merciful is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah. Its meaning: The One whose mercy encompasses all creation.
To pronounce the name The Universally Merciful in Arabic, we say: Ar-Rahman.
It is written in Arabic: الرحمن.
From the Arabic root ر-ح-م (r-h-m, mercy), on the intensive pattern فَعْلَان (fa'lan), it denotes mercy of vast scope and abundance.
The Name “The Universally Merciful” means: The One whose mercy encompasses all creation. It affirms a perfection belonging to Allah without defect, limit, or resemblance to creation. In al-Ghazali’s perspective, the believer never claims to share the divine attribute in its reality; instead, the Name gives an orientation suited to the condition of a servant.
Meditating on this Name calls the believer to show mercy, relieve those in need, and counsel gently rather than with contempt. Knowledge of the Name thereby becomes worship, refinement of character, and trust in Allah alone.