Why are the divine names, The Merciful and The Compassionate included in the Basmala?
In His Name, Glory be to Him There is nothing that does not glorify Him with praise. There are many reasons why the Divine Names, al-Rahman (the Merciful) and al-Rahim (the Compassionate) were included in the basmala, the formula uttered at the outset of every good deed and intention: In the Name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate. I hope to be able to explain some of these reasons later. For the time being, I will talk about one of the impressions they make upon me: The Divine Names, al-Rahman and al-Rahim seem to me, my dear brother, to own a light so comprehensive and splendid that it envelops the whole universe, and is enough to satisfy anyones needs forever and to secure them against all kinds of hostility. One can be enlightened to these two greatest of the Divine Names through a grasp of his poverty and helplessness vis–vis the riches and power of God, and, in return, through thanksgiving to God for His limitless compassion and mercy. This is, in fact, the way of s
