What is the difference between the words "Ar-Rahman" and "Ar-Rahim" in the verse: (And your God is one God; there is no deity except Him, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)?

Scholars have differed regarding theinction between the two names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim. Some believe they share the same meaning and were combined for emphasis, while others hold that "fa'lan" (as in Rahman) denotes exaggeration, unlike "fa'il" (as in Rahim).

However, the majority opinion suggests that Ar-Rahman is "specific in name but general in action," meaning His mercy encompasses all creatures. In contrast, Ar-Rahim is "general in name but specific in action," meaning His mercy is particular to the believers. Evidence for this is Allah's saying: (And He is ever Merciful to the believers).