In Islamic theology, Allah is described as Al-Rehman and Al-Raheem, attributes rooted in profound compassion and mercy. Both names share the Arabic root “rahmah,” which conveys a sense of nurturing, unconditional love, and mercy. However, these names differ subtly in their expressions: while Al-Rehman reflects Allah’s all-encompassing compassion, accessible to all creation regardless of merit, Al-Raheem signifies a deeply personal mercy that is enduring, selective, and directed especially toward believers. Through the analogy of the mother’s womb nurturing a baby, we can gain a nuanced understanding of these attributes. This analogy

provides insight into the different aspects of divine mercy, illustrating Al-Rehman’s universal, nurturing compassion and Al-Raheem’s intimate, protective mercy.