ar-Raʾūf

The Most Kind and Tender

Recited as it sounds in the Qur'an, 9:117.

Heard together with: ar-Raʾūf ar-Raḥīm (2:143)

Start with what we know

Then take away everything it needs. What is left is not a bigger version of us. It is the Name.

Episode 1

A parent's tenderness; neonatal nurses.

But: Tires; cannot be everywhere.

Episode 2

Bukhari 6000: 'because of that single part [of mercy]… even the mare lifts up its hoofs away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it'.

Episode 3

Neonatal intensive care units (NHS).

But: Machines and rotas, not one tireless heart.

Episode 4

Take away fatigue, distance, limited attention.

The mare lifts its hoof for one foal. All the world's tenderness is one part in a hundred.

Read: 2:143 (raʾūf); 57:9.

From the tradition: Same pair raʾūf raḥīm used of the Prophet (peace be upon him) (9:128): the servant's share made visible. Ps 103:13.

On screen

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In scripture: Q 2:143; 57:9; 9:128; Bukhari 6000.
The same thread in Jewish and Christian scripture: Ps 103:13 'As a father has compassion for his children'; 2 Cor 1:3 'Father of mercies'. Moderate.
In the universe: —
In nature: Parent birds shielding chicks; Our Planet clips.
In people: NICU care.
In science: Biology of parental care; oxytocin.

Living it

Gentleness with the vulnerable.

Its kind

Act: something done: mercy shown, provision given, a prayer answered.

In the Qur'an: 2:143; 9:117; 57:9

Sources for this page

hadith-api eng-bukhari 6000