Rahmatullah

Rahmatullah is an Arabic phrase meaning “the mercy of God.” It is formed from the word rahmah, meaning mercy or compassion, and Allah, the Arabic word for God. In Islamic usage, the term functions as both a religious expression and an honorific that accompanies the names of prophets and other revered figures.

In Arabic and Islamic tradition, the formula rahmatullāh alayhi (may the mercy of God be upon him) or rahmatullāh alayha (upon her) is added after a person’s name to invoke divine blessing or commendation. In English-language writings it is often rendered as “may the mercy of God be upon him/her.” The phrase appears in religious texts, biographical accounts, sermons, and obituaries as a sign of respect and reverence.

As an onomastic element, rahmatullah is used in some Muslim communities as part of given names or honorifics, particularly in South Asia and the broader Islamic world. Various transliterations exist due to differences in Hindi/Urdu and Arabic transcription, including Rahmatullah, Rahmatulla, and related forms.

Related terms include rahmah (mercy) and rahmat (mercy or compassion), which appear in broader theological and linguistic contexts. While most commonly encountered in religious or cultural literature, rahmatullah remains a reflection of the value placed on divine mercy within Islamic tradition.