I would like to state once again – and this point is worthy of note – that divine favour is of two kinds. Firstly, there is graciousness (rahmaniyyat) and the second kind is known as mercy (rahimiyyat). The grace of rahmaniyyat is that which was in operation even before we ever existed or came into being.
For example, even before we existed, Allah the Exalted created the heaven and earth, the sun and moon, as well as other earthly and heavenly creations, all of which exist to serve us, and from which we derive benefit. The animals also derive benefit from them, but when even they too have been created for the benefit of mankind, and come to their use, it can be said in general that man is the one who truly benefits from these creations.
Observe how humans eat the highest quality food for physical nourishment; the highest quality meats are for man, while scraps and bones are for dogs. Although animals partake in physical benefits, they do not partake of spiritual pleasures.
Hence, these are the two kinds of divine favour; the first kind is granted even before we have come into being; and the second kind is a demonstration of the grandeur of rahimiyyat, which is manifested after prayer and which requires action.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 205)