"In the Name of Allah, the Merciful (Al-Rahmân), the Compassionate (Al-Rahîm)...." (1:1)
The Merciful and the Compassionate are qualities derived from rahamâ (mercy). The concept of mercy requires that there be an object of mercy, someone or something in need. The needs of the needy are satisfied through the Merciful without any intention, choosing, willing, or asking by the needy one. The mercy of the Merciful is perfect in the sense that Allah not only wills the satisfaction of the needs of the needy, which shows concern, but actually satisfies them. The Merciful is all-inclusive in that mercy is extended to the worthy and the unworthy alike and includes all their needs. There is a Hadith where the Messenger says, "Allah Most High has one hundred portions of mercy. He has given only one portion to the universe and that Allah has divided among all of creation." The feeling of mercy and compassion that Allah's creatures feel for each other is from this. The other ninety-nine portions are reserved for the Day of Judgment when Allah will bestow it upon the believers. The Qur'an says, "My mercy embraces everything" (7:156). A distinction should be made between the meanings of the two qualities of the Merciful and the Compassionate. The basic meaning to be understood from the Merciful is a kind of mercy which is beyond the reach of human potential and provides the needs for the nafs or soul for all creatures in this world regardless of their worthiness. The Compassionate, on the other hand, is the quality that Allah manifests to the believers, "He is compassionate to the believers" (33:43). Allah shows compassion towards those who use their free will to choose His way in order to be saved in the Hereafter. This is why it is said Allah is compassionate towards His believers.