“Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills”[1]
“He is not questioned (called to account) for what He does!”[2]
First He rids the servant whom He chooses for Himself from ‘hidden duality’, the ego-identity and the concept of an external god, then he moralizes him with His own morals, then He rewards him with ‘unveiling’ (kashf) and self-conquest (fath), enabling him to experience the life of paradise! Beyond this is only known to those who experience it!
There is also another meaning denoted by the name ‘Rahim’.
We said the grace denoted by Rahman is related to cleansing, which inevitably causes some form of pain and suffering. Though the amputation of an organ is seemingly an intense form of suffering, the fact it’s done with the purpose of saving one’s life causes us to thank the surgeon rather than be upset with him. This kind of grace, which initially causes pain and suffering, but is essentially for a beneficial outcome, is Rahman-based grace.
The grace of the Rahim, on the other hand, is not for the purpose of cleansing or teaching, but purely to give pleasure via beauteous experiences. This is the kind of grace that will be experienced in the life of paradise.
However, let us be mindful that the Names of Allah are constantly in effect. Hence, to think the meaning of the name Rahim is currently ineffective and will only be in effect in paradise is a complete misconception. The name Rahim is in effect at every instance, whether we realize this or not.
There are many people who have and who currently are experiencing the manifestation of this Name on Earth, while others only experience it in paradise, perhaps without even knowing how and why it is formed.
Besides the people of unveiling and self-conquest, the people of certainty, the people of authenticity and the people of gnosis of Allah are still consciously experiencing and observing the manifestation of the name Rahim in light of the letter B.
The meaning of the expression, ‘La hawla wala kuwwata illa B’illah’ is also from the Rahim.
Thus, it is utterly incorrect to think the name Rahim will only be in effect in paradise, in the life after death, especially when infinite amounts of angels are constantly subject to the effect of this Name!