Rahma
/ˈrɑːh.mə/noun
An Arabic term meaning mercy, compassion, or divine grace, especially in Islamic contexts.
Did you know?Rahma comes from the same Semitic root associated with the womb, linking mercy with the nurturing protection traditionally imagined before birth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*r-ḥ-m
“A root associated with tenderness, compassion, and the womb”
Ancient Hebrew
Hebrew
reḥem
“Womb; the place of gestation and protection”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
raḥima
“He showed mercy or compassion”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
raḥma
“Mercy, compassion, or divine grace”
Medieval Islamic usage
Arabic
raḥma
“A central spiritual quality, especially God's merciful compassion”
Modern English
English
rahma
“An English loanword referring to mercy or compassion in Islamic contexts”