Shaykhul-Islam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhab rahimahullah (may Allah have mercy upon him) said,
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
“In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”
The author rahimahullah began his book with the basmalah in order to follow the example of the Qur’an, as the surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an begin with the basmalah, except for Surah at-Tawbah. It is also to follow the example of the letters written by the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings be upon him) to various kings, wherein he sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would begin his letters with the basmalah.
Additionally, commencing a book with the basmalah is done to seek blessings and assistance from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala (the Exalted and Almighty).
As for the Majestic Name “Allah” (الله), it is the Name that encompasses the Attribute of Uluhiyyah (الألوهية) or Divinity, meaning that Allah is the only One who has the right to be worshipped.
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas radiyallahu ‘anhuma (may Allah be pleased with them both) said,
الله ذو الألوهية والعبودية على خلقه أجمعين.
“Allah is the One who alone possesses the exclusive right to be worshipped by all of His creation.” [1]
The Majestic Name “Allah” is His greatest Name, and it is the Name that encompasses all of His Beautiful Names.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala said,
وَلِلَّهِ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ فَٱدْعُوهُ بِهَا
“And to Allah belong the best Names, so invoke Him by them.” [2]
The Majestic Name “Allah” is also the Name by which absolutely no one else is called.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala said,
هَلْ تَعْلَمُ لَهُۥ سَمِيًّا
“Do you know anyone who is similar to Him?” [3]
It is narrated from Qatadah and al-Kalbi rahimahumallah (may Allah have mercy upon them both) that the meaning of the verse above is:
هل تعلم أحدا يسمَّى الله تعالى غير الله، أو يقال له: الله، إلا الله؟
“Do you know anyone who is named Allah other than Allah, or who is called ‘Allah’ other than Allah?” [4]
As for the Names of Allah “ar-Rahman” (الرحمن) and “ar-Rahim” (الرحيم), both contain the Attribute of Rahmah (الرحمة) or Mercy.
However, the Name “ar-Rahman” contains the Attribute of general Mercy encompassing all of His creation, whereas the Name “ar-Rahim” contains the Attribute of specific Mercy reserved only for the believers.
The evidence that Allah possesses a general Mercy for all of His creation is a verse in the Qur’an,
رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا
“Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in Mercy and Knowledge.” [5]
Thus, this general Mercy extends to both believers and disbelievers, which is why all of them are able to receive provision in the form of food, drink, clothing, health, and other blessings from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
The evidence that Allāh possesses a specific Mercy reserved only for the believers is the statement of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala,
وَكَانَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا
“He is ever Merciful to the believers.” [6]
Therefore, this specific Mercy is not granted to the disbelievers and polytheists, but exclusively to the believers. This is why only they are able to attain the blessings of Islam and iman (faith), as well as the blessings of hidayah (guidance) and tawfiq (divine facilitation) from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
Andy Octavian Latief
Article of andylatief.com