The attribute of **الرَّحِيمُ (Ar-Raheem)**, which translates to “The Merciful,” is one of the most beautiful and profound names of Allah. It is an attribute that encompasses the essence of divine compassion and mercy, a concept that is central to the Islamic faith. In the light of Tafsir e Kabir by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, the second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the depth and breadth of Ar-Raheem are explored with great care and reverence.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad’s Tafsir e Kabir is a monumental work of Islamic scholarship, offering a comprehensive interpretation of the Holy Qur’an. It is within this grand exegesis that the attribute of Ar-Raheem is illuminated, shedding light on the boundless and all-encompassing nature of Allah’s mercy.
The Holy Qur’an, which is the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, repeatedly emphasizes the mercy of Allah. It is described as something that envelops everything, leaving no room for despair or hopelessness. For instance, Surah Al-A’raf (7:156) states, “And My mercy encompasses all things.” This verse is a powerful declaration of the infinite scope of divine mercy, a theme that is echoed throughout the Tafsir e Kabir¹.
In his Tafsir, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad delves into the significance of Ar-Raheem by examining its occurrence in various contexts within the Qur’an. He explains that this attribute of mercy is not just a passive quality but an active force that has real implications in the lives of believers. It is through the lens of mercy that Allah views His creation, offering forgiveness and guidance.
The Tafsir e Kabir also discusses the relationship between Allah’s mercy and human action. It suggests that while Allah’s mercy is vast and all-encompassing, it is also something that believers should strive to reflect in their own lives. The attribute of Ar-Raheem is not only a source of comfort but also a call to action. It is a reminder for Muslims to practice compassion and mercy towards others, just as Allah is merciful towards them.
Furthermore, the Tafsir e Kabir highlights the special mercy that Allah reserves for the Day of Judgment. It is a mercy that gives hope to believers, assuring them that their sincere efforts and repentance will not go unnoticed. The attribute of Ar-Raheem is thus a beacon of hope for the afterlife, promising a reward for those who live a life of righteousness and piety.
In conclusion, the attribute of Ar-Raheem, as expounded in the Tafsir e Kabir of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the essence of divine compassion. It is a reminder of the boundless mercy of Allah, which is both a source of comfort and a call to embody mercy in our interactions with others. As we reflect upon the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the insights from Tafsir e Kabir, let us embrace the attribute of Ar-Raheem in our hearts and actions, striving to live a life that is pleasing to Allah².
Source:
(1) Tafseer Kabeer Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad. https://archive.org/details/TafseerKabeerMirzaBashiruddinMahmoodAhmad.
(2) At-Tafsīr-ul-Kabīr: The Grand Exegesis | The Review of Religions. https://www.reviewofreligions.org/31056/at-tafsir-ul-kabir-holy-qura/.
(3) Tafseer e Kabir Vol. 10 in Urdu : Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood …. https://archive.org/details/TafseerEKabirVol.10InUrdu.
Radio VOIB 