A Critical Analysis of the Entry “Mercy (Raḥmah)” in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 The Quran and sciences majoring in psychology Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya International University

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Psychology, Qur’an and Hadith Research Institute

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Psychology, Qur’an and Hadith Research Institute.

Abstract

The present study undertakes a critical analysis of the entry “Mercy (Raḥmah)” authored by Daniel C. Peterson in the Encyclopaedia of the Qur’ān (Leiden). In this entry, the author seeks to gather the Qur’anic usages of Raḥmah and Ghufrān (forgiveness) and, while examining manifestations of mercy, to explain the manner of divine mercy toward humankind. Peterson composes his article with the theological presupposition that mercy is equivalent to the waiver of punishment. In doing so, he overlooks the fundamental Qur’anic concept of Raḥmah, neglects its distinction from related expressions such as ʻAfw (pardon), Ghufrān, and Tawbah (repentance), fails to consider the universal mercy (al-Raḥmah al-ʻĀmmah)—divine grace encompassing voluntary human acts—and presents divine justice (ʻAdl) as a qualitatively opposite trait to mercy. Consequently, he remains unable to address how attributes of mercy and wrath (Ghaḍab) are simultaneously predicated of God, ultimately adopting a deterministic view that portrays God as an absolute ruler bestowing mercy solely upon whomever He wills. The present research, employing an intra-Qur’anic analytical methodology, seeks to clarify the divine meaning of Raḥmah, to respond to Peterson’s interpretations, and resolve possible ambiguities arising from this entry. It elucidates the position of mercy within the Qur’anic monotheistic paradigm and demonstrates that divine mercy is neither sentimental nor penal, but a constant, inclusive flow of divine grace realized through need and the ongoing process of benevolence (Iḥsān). Accordingly, the single divine act is characterized by diverse active attributes—mercy, wrath, justice, creation, and others—according to various considerations.

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 July 2026
  • Accept Date: 16 May 2026

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