research_article

Rahim and the Question of Arham: A Qur’an-Centric Linguistic Analysis of Divine Self-Description of Mercy in the Holy Qur’an

Noba
Volume1
Issue1
Pages1-5
DOIDOI
Abstract

In exploring the nuances of divine self-description within the Holy Qur’an, this original research delves into the linguistic deployment of the root R-Ḥ-M (رحم), focusing on how mercy is articulated as an inherent attribute of Allah. Drawing from a Qur’an-centric perspective, the study argues that forms like al-Raḥīm (الرحيم) represent absolute, non-relational mercy, while elative constructions such as Arḥam (أرحم) introduce comparative elements that may not fully align with the text’s emphasis on unbounded divine compassion. Anchored in principles of Tawḥīd and Raḥmah, the analysis employs root tracing, morphological dissection, and semantic mapping across the Qur’anic corpus to reveal patterns in divine naming. Findings indicate that al-Raḥīm appears in fixed, nominal structures over 100 times, often paired with al-Raḥmān, whereas Arḥam is confined to relational contexts in fewer than 10 instances, never as a standalone name. This distinction underscores potential tensions between scriptural precision and devotional expansions, contributing to discussions on theological linguistics and the authority of Qur’anic self-reference in Islamic scholarship.

Keywords
RaḥīmArḥamQur’anic linguisticsTawḥīdRaḥmahdivine attributesQur’an-centric theology
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