It is worthy of note that second to "Allah" the Divine Attribute...

It is worthy of note that second to "Allah" the Divine Attribute; "the Most Gracious" is the most encompassing concept from amongst the Most Beautiful Attributes and Names of Allah, since we know that God Almighty possesses two kinds of Graciousness, general and specific. The Attribute; "the Most Gracious" reflects His All-Encompassing Graciousness. The Divine Attribute; "the Most Merciful" (Rahim) designates His specific Graciousness bestowed upon the faithful and the obedient.

It is seemingly owing to this reason that the Attribute; "the Most Gracious" is never applied to anyone other than God Almighty, unless it is accompanied by the word "servant" (‘abd), but "merciful" may be applied to others, since All-Encompassing Graciousness only belongs to God Almighty. In other words, specific mercy in its feeble form may be found among mankind and other creatures.

According to a tradition narrated from Imam Sadiq (as), "the Most Gracious" (Rahman) is All-Encompassing and is solely a Divine Attribute, but "merciful" (rahim) is specific. In other words, the former is a specific name but is all-encompassing, namely, it is a Divine Attribute reflecting that His Mercy is All-Encompassing.

But, "merciful" is a general name with specific application, namely it may be applied to anyone, but "merciful" is general name with specific application, i.e., it is applied to God Almighty and His Creatures. Likewise, the Noble Prophet (S) is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as: "kind and merciful" ^6 (ra’uf al-rahim), but they designate limited and specific mercy. Qur’an exegetes are not unanimous regarding the issue as to who received the teaching of the Holy Qur’an.

Some maintain that Gabriel, angels, the Noble Prophet (S), and all mankind and even jinn received it.