rahma

Rahma is a feminine given name of Arabic origin, meaning mercy, compassion, or benevolence. It derives from the triliteral root r-h-m, which also gives the divine attributes Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and Ar-Rahim (the Most Compassionate). The name conveys a sense of mercy and kindness and is used in various Muslim communities around the world.

In religious and cultural contexts, rahma is a central concept in Islam, often referenced as a fundamental attribute of God. The phrase Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim, “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,” is widely recited by Muslims and appears in prayers, texts, and inscriptions. As a personal name, Rahma is chosen to evoke mercy, empathy, and a gentle character.

Usage and popularity vary by region. Rahma is commonly used across Arabic-speaking countries and in Muslim communities globally. Variants and transliterations include Rahmah, Rahmā, and occasionally Rahmo or Rahoma in non-Arabic scripts. The name is typically given to girls, though naming practices can differ by country and culture.

Beyond personal naming, rahma appears in literature, poetry, and religious discourse as a concept describing mercy toward others and toward creation. It also figures in social and charitable contexts, where acts of mercy and compassion are emphasized as moral virtues.

See also: Rahmah (disambiguation), Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim.