Question
As Salamu Alaikum,
Can you tell me what the name Raheel means? I know that Raheel(AS) was the wife of Yuqub(AS) and the mother of Yusuf(AS) but what does the name itself mean?
Also why is this name used for men? Is there example of this name being used for a Man by Sahabah(RA) or the first three generations?
Answer
Walaikumussalam w w
Raheel is derived from rahala which means ‘to travel’ isme faail is Rahil so it’s been stretched a little bit and and made raheel. It means ‘A traveller’
Yes, mufassireen have written that it was the name of Ya’qub alayhissalam’s wife. How it began to be used for men? I don’t know. In some cultures, some names are used for both; male and female, eg Misbah. Wallahu a’alam.