NAME: ‫الرحمن‬, Ar-Rahman.

Name taken from Verse 1 where there is a mention of God’s Name ” Ar-Rahman”. Name
applied to whole Surah as in it the Blessings of God on Jinn and mankind are discussed.
ENGLISH NAME: The Compassionate.
CHAPTER NUMBER: 55
SURAH RAHMAN TOTAL VERSES: 78
REVELATION PERIOD: Medinan.

The Context of Revelation of Surah Ar-Rahman

The exact context of revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul) for Surah Ar-Rahman is not explicitly
mentioned in historical sources, and as with many chapters of the Quran, there are various
opinions among scholars. However, some general themes and incidents from the life of Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) have been suggested as possible contexts for the revelation of
Surah Ar-Rahman.
Mocking by Disbelievers:
Some scholars suggest that the revelation of Surah Ar-Rahman may be linked to an incident
where disbelievers in Makkah mocked the concept of a God who is excessively merciful. In
response to their skepticism, the surah eloquently emphasizes the numerous signs of Allah’s
mercy and blessings in the world.
Call to Gratitude:
Surah Ar-Rahman could have been revealed to remind the people, particularly the Quraysh in
Makkah, of the numerous blessings they enjoyed and to call them to gratitude and
acknowledgment of Allah’s Favors.
Emphasis on Divine Mercy:
The surah may have been revealed to reinforce the message of Allah’s mercy, especially when
faced with rejection and opposition from certain segments of society. The repetition of the
question, “Which of the Favors of your Lord will you deny?” serves to emphasize the
innumerable blessings of Allah.
Divine Laws and Guidance
• It is Allah Who created man, taught him the Qur'an and taught him how to convey his
feelings and thoughts.
• Allah is the Rabb of the easts and wests. It is He Who made the laws to regulate the
oceans: it's products and ships.
 • All that exists will perish except Allah.
• No one can run away from the jurisdiction of Allah.
• Sinners will be punished in hell and the righteous will be awarded paradise with lush
gardens, springs, fruits and bashful virgins.

Summary of the Topics:

1-13 (God Taught Quran, Created Man And His Eloquence, Created Heavens In Balance And All
In Justice, Which Of The Favors Of Your Lord Will You Deny),
14-16 (Man Created From Clay, Jinns From Fire), 19-25(God Created Two Sea Side By Side
With An Invisible Barrier That They Cannot Transgress),
26-30 (Everyone In The Universe Will Perish, All Creation Ask God For Every Matter), 33-36(O
Assembly Of Jinn&Man You Cannot Escape God),
37-45 (Description Of Last Day, Criminals And Hell),
46-59 (Description Of Paradise: Two Gardens For Righteous, Two Springs, Spouces Untouched
By Jinn Or Man, Two More Gardens),
60-78 (Blessed Is The Name Of Your Lord, Owner Of Majesty And Honor)
The Theme of Surah Rahman
The central theme of Surah Ar-Rahman is the overwhelming and boundless mercy of
Allah. This surah is a vivid and poetic portrayal of the numerous blessings, signs, and favors that
Allah has bestowed upon humanity and the entire creation. The surah serves as a powerful
reminder for believers to reflect on the generosity of their Creator and express gratitude for His
mercy.
Key themes in Surah Ar-Rahman include:
• Divine Mercy: The surah repeats the question, fabi ayyi ala i rabbikuma tukazziban
(Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?) This rhetorical question serves as a
powerful reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the countless blessings and acts of
mercy that Allah has bestowed upon His creation.
• Creation and Signs: Surah Ar-Rahman highlights various aspects of creation, from the
heavens and the earth to the intricate details of the natural world. The purpose is to draw
attention to the signs of Allah’s power and wisdom evident in the universe.
• Humanity’s Gratitude and Denial: Throughout the surah, the contrasts between
gratitude and denial are emphasized. Humanity is reminded of the consequences of
acknowledging or rejecting Allah’s favors and guidance. The narrative underscores the
importance of expressing gratitude for the bounties provided by the Creator.
 • Jinn and Mankind: The surah mentions the creation of jinn and mankind, emphasizing
that both are accountable for their deeds. The acknowledgment of diverse forms of
creation serves to underscore the universality of Allah’s mercy.
• The Quran as a Divine Gift: Surah Ar-Rahman acknowledges the Quran as a divine gift
and a source of guidance. It highlights the significance of the Quran as a manifestation of
Allah’s mercy and wisdom for the guidance of humanity.

This is the only Surah of the Qur'an in which, besides men, the jinn are directly
addressed. In this Surah both men and jinn are taught to realize the wonders of Allah's power, His
countless blessings, their own helplessness and accountability before Him. They are warned of
the evil consequences of being disobedient to Him and made aware of the best results of His
obedience.
Although at several other places in the Qur'an there are clear pointers that the jinn are a
creation, who like men, are endowed with freedom of will and action and are therefore,
accountable; who have been granted the freedom of belief and unbelief and of obedience and
disobedience. Also among them are believers and unbelievers, the obedient and the rebellious,
just as there are among human beings. Also, among them exists such groups as have believed in
the Prophets sent by God and in the Divine Books. This Surah clearly points out that the message
of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Qur'an is meant both for men and for jinn. His Prophethood is not
restricted to human beings alone. The beginning of the Surah addresses human beings. But from
verse 13 onward both men and jinn are addressed, and one and the same invitation is extended to
both.

SURAH RAHMAN BRIEF COMMENTARY & BACK GROUND:

This Surah has 78 verses divided into 3 Rukus/Sections. It takes its name from verse 1: ‫الرح َْٰمن‬
َّ .
The Most Gracious Merciful, which is an attribute and name of God. This name is not only a title
but also the topic of the Surah where the blessings of God’s mercy upon Jinn and humankind are
mentioned and discussed. Its revelation period is not certain, and some traditions state it as a
Meccan while others a Madni Surah. On the authority of Abdullah bin Abbas, Ikrimah and
Qatadah there are some traditions that say that this Surah revealed in Madina, but most
commentators think it as a Meccan surah. Also, the subject of this Surah looks like that it is
Meccans Surah.
This Surah is often considered and regarded as the ‘beauty of the Quran’ also based on a hadith
narrated by Abdullah bin Masud that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, “Everything has
an adornment, and the adornment of the Quran is Surah Rahman.”
Tirmidhi recorded that Jabir said, “The Prophet of God PBUH went to his Companions and
recited Surat Rahman from beginning till, but they did not say anything. The Prophet said,
 ‫ ل‬:‫ان قالوا‬ ِ ‫ ك ْنت كلَّما أتيْت على ق ْو ِل ِه ف ِبأ‬،‫لقدْ قرأْتها على ْال ِج ِن ليْلة ْال ِج ِن فكانوا أحْسن م ْردودًا مِ ْنك ْم‬
ِ ‫ى ءاَلءِ ر ِبكما تك ِذب‬
‫بِش ْيء مِ ْن نِعمِ ك ربَّنا نك ِذب فلك ْالح ْمد‬
(On the night of the Jinns I recited it to the Jinns, and their response was better than yours!
Whenever I recited God’s statement: So “which of the blessings of your Lord will you both
deny” (They said, “None of Your favors do we deny, our Lord! All praise is due to you.”)

General Benefits of Surah Rahman

Reciting and reflecting upon Surah Ar-Rahman brings about numerous spiritual and worldly
benefits. Some of the benefits include:
Spiritual Tranquillity:
Reciting Surah Ar-Rahman brings a sense of calmness and tranquillity to the heart. The rhythmic
and melodious nature of the surah contributes to a peaceful spiritual experience.
Increased Compassion and Gratitude:
Contemplating the numerous blessings mentioned in Surah Ar-Rahman fosters a sense of
gratitude and compassion. Believers find themselves more appreciative of the countless favors
bestowed upon them by Allah.
Protection from Calamities:
Seeking refuge in the mercy of Allah, as emphasized in Surah Ar-Rahman, offer protection from
calamities and difficulties. It serves as a reminder that Allah’s mercy encompasses all aspects of
life.
Increased Wealth:
Regular recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman brings about an increase in provision and blessings, both
in material and spiritual aspects of life.