There is debate as to whether this is also the name of a pre-Islamic Arabian deity, or if it is an epithet of God like Al-Rahim "the Merciful".
As the terms "Raḥmān" ("the merciful," a divine epithet), "the God of Israel", and the "Lord of Judah", can also be seen in 6th and 7th centuries inscriptions of the Jewish Yemeni Himyarite Kingdom.
Mary asks for protection from Al-Rahman against one whom she perceives as a man entering her private chambers, but who in fact is the Archangel Jibrāʾīl (Gabriel).
In 19:45, Abraham says to his father, a disbeliever and idol-worshipper: "I fear you could be struck with the wrath of Al-Rahman, then become an ally of the devil."
One possibility is that God's wrath and subsequent punishment may be provoked by disbelief in and abuse of His Prophets, Messengers, and saints, so great is His mercy and compassion for those He loves.