رَحْمَة
raḥmafeminine
The English phrase 'compassion' can be translated into Arabic as رَحْمَة (raḥma) or شَفَقَة.
Meaning: deep awareness of the suffering of another (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| رَحْمَة | raḥma | feminine |
| شَفَقَة | šafaqa | feminine |
Both words describe a deep awareness of the suffering of another.
Which one should you use?
رَحْمَة (raḥma) implies a deep, often divine or spiritual mercy or compassion. In contrast, شَفَقَة (šafaqa) leans more towards feeling pity or sympathy for someone's plight or for someone in a vulnerable position.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both رَحْمَة and شَفَقَة are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
raḥma
Did you know?
- The word رَحْمَة shares its linguistic root with the word for 'womb' (raḥim), suggesting that true compassion is as natural and nurturing as the bond between a mother and her child.
- The root of شَفَقَة is also related to the word for 'dawn' or 'twilight' (شَفَق). Some linguists suggest this connects the feeling of compassion to the soft, fading light of the day.
- The phrase رَحْمَة الله is often used as a formulaic prayer for the deceased. Instead of just saying 'rest in peace', speakers ask for the 'mercy of God' to be upon the person.
Examples in context
- أَظْهَرَ الرَّجُلُ رَحْمَةً كَبِيرَةً.aẓhara ar-rajulu raḥmatan kabīratan.The man showed great compassion.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are discussing a charity worker.
- ليلى Laylaهِيَ تَمْتَلِكُ رَحْمَةً كَبِيرَةً بِالآخَرِينَ.hiya tamliku raḥmatan kabīratan bi-l-ākharīn.She has great compassion for others.
- يوسف Youssefنَعَمْ، هِيَ تُسَاعِدُ الجَمِيعَ.na'am, hiya tusā'idu al-jamī'a.Yes, she helps everyone.
- ليلى Laylaأُحِبُّ الرَّحْمَةَ فِي أَعْمَالِهَا.uḥibbu ar-raḥmata fī a'mālihā.I love the compassion in her work.
- يوسف Youssefهِيَ نَمُوذَجٌ لِلإِنْسَانِيَّةِ.hiya namudhajun li-l-insāniyya.She is a model of humanity.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compassion” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
