What is the difference between al-Rahman and al-Rahim?
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The questioner : ... ؟
The Shaykh : No, we do not say that, because the form of al-Rahman indicates vastness and fullness. It was said of a person whose anger was intense, "He is ghadiban" (angry), and of a person who was drunk, "He is sakran" (drunk), meaning he is full. Al-Rahim does not indicate this. Therefore, the Messenger is described as Rahim, but it is not said that he is Rahman. Al-Rahman indicates the attribute itself and that it is vast, while al-Rahim indicates the one to whom this mercy reaches.
The Shaykh : No, we do not say that, because the form of al-Rahman indicates vastness and fullness. It was said of a person whose anger was intense, "He is ghadiban" (angry), and of a person who was drunk, "He is sakran" (drunk), meaning he is full. Al-Rahim does not indicate this. Therefore, the Messenger is described as Rahim, but it is not said that he is Rahman. Al-Rahman indicates the attribute itself and that it is vast, while al-Rahim indicates the one to whom this mercy reaches.