Red Flag #4: رَحِيمٌ (raḥīmun)

Just like the incident with رَءُوفٌ (raūfun), we see a similar phenomenon with the second attribute given to the prophet in 9:128 with the word رَحِيمٌ (raḥīmun). We see that this word in the singular form occurs 57 times in the Quran, and again, every single occurrence is in reference to God alone. The other spelling of رَحِيمًا (raḥīman) occurs 20 times in the Quran, and again, every single occurrence is in reference to God alone. The only time you will see this word applied to people is in the plural tense, like in 48:29, which uses the form رُحَمَاءُ (ruḥamāu), which is interesting enough in regards to Muhammad and the believers.

[48:29] Muhammad—the messenger of GOD—and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD’s blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers. He thus enrages the disbelievers. GOD promises those among them who believe and lead a righteous life forgiveness and a great recompense.

مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِمْ مِنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْهُمْ مَغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

But when we look at 128, we see that again, the authors of this verse applied this word in the singular towards Muhammad, which does not align with the rest of the Quran, as only God is رَحِيمٌ (raḥīmun). This may be challenging to understand in English, but this is the difference between a person who can be merciful and God who is Merciful. This is why in English, we will capitalize the word or, in addition, add the word “Most” before the word to distinguish God, who is Most Merciful, from anyone else who may have traits of mercy.