Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abdullah, or better known as Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok, was born in 1899 in Tebengau, Kampung Alor Ibus, Alor Setar, Kedah. He received his early education (on the Koran) from his own father, Haji Abdullah before being tutored by Muhammad Ariff of Sungai Nonang. In 1916, he continued his studies at the Al-Masyhur religious school in Penang. After that he went on to study for three years at the Tuan Hussin Nasir Religious School at Teluk Nipah, Pantai Merdeka, Kedah.

In 1918, Haji Abdul Rahman went to Mecca for further studies. In Mecca he received some general education from a number of well known teachers such as Sheikh Othman Sarawak, Abdul Kadir Mendhiling, Sheikh Umar Bajunid, Mufti Hambali,Aheikh Ali Maliki and Sheikh Salleh Bikir. He was also tutored by Tuan guru Pak Da Ei (Pak Muda Ismail) and Pak Wan Daud , both of whom hailed from Patani.

As a person who had been educated in the "Pondok" (hut) system, Dato' Murshid Diraja Abdul Rahman had contributed much in developing schools in Kedah. He used to teach in Pondok schools as well as Madrasah (non-Pondok religious schools). He was also responsible for opening Madarsah Kota Kuala Muda in 1926, when he was just 27. In 1927, he opened Madarsah Saadatul-Daroin at Merbok Kedah. At the start of the school only 25 students sought admission, but this number increased year by year until the school became well known, not only in Kedah but also in all parts of Peninsula Malaysia, parts of Sumatra and Rhiau.

He gave religious talks to strengthen Islamic religious knowledge among the faithful. This he did, especially during pre-War years and he kept on giving talks and oratory speeches on religion and freedom during the fight for Independence, in such official ceremonies as the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Koran-reading competitions, ihtifal, Friday sermons, other official ceremonies and even through casual talks. As an Ulama with much experience and knowledge, he was chosen to head the Kedah Ulama Association, appointed as a Member of UMNO Ulama Supreme Council, a Member of the Kedah Fatwa Council and a Member of the Royal Council.

For his services, he was honoured as Kedah's Teacher of the Year for 1982. He was also honoured with Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N.), Justice of the Peace (J.P.), the title of Dato' Murshid Diraja and Coronation Medal by His Highness Sultan Abdul Halim Muazam Shah, the Sultan of Kedah.