Ar-Rabb (الرب)
Definition and Significance
Ar-Rabb (الرب) is a prominent title used in the Qurʾān to refer to the Divine Being, Allah. The term can be translated as “The Lord,” “The Sustainer,” or “The Supporter.” It denotes God’s role as the nurturing, caring, and supreme authority over all creation.
Usage in the Qur’an
The title Ar-Rabb appears frequently in the Qurʾān, illustrating its importance. Examples include:
- Sūrah 3:44: “God (Allāh) is my Lord (Rabb) and your Lord (Rabb).”
- Sūrah 18:13: “Our Lord (Rabb) is the Lord (Rabb) of the heavens and the earth.”
Comparative Linguistics
From its frequent occurrence in the Qurʾān, Ar-Rabb appears to occupy a similar place to the Hebrew יְהֹוָה (Jehovah), the Greek Κύριος (Kyrios), the Latin Dominus, and the English “Lord." However, while Allāh is considered the Ismu ʾẕ-Ẕāt (the essential name of God), Ar-Rabb is regarded as an Ismu Ṣifah (an attribute or quality of the Almighty).
Etymology
The Arabic term الرَّبّ (Ar-Rabb) derives from the root verb رَبَّ (rabba), which means “to bring up,” “to educate,” or “to grow something to its perfect stage.” This connotation explains why God, as the one who nurtures creation to its perfection, is referred to as Ar-Rabb.
Combinations and Related Titles
Ar-Rabb is used in various theological contexts and combinations, such as:
- Rabbu ʾl-ʿIzzah (رب العزة): Lord of Glory
- Rabbu ʾl-ʿĀlamīn (رب العالمين): Lord of the Universe
- Rabbu ʾl-Arbāb (رب الأرباب): Lord of Lords
- Rabbu ʾl-ʿĪbād (رب العباد): Lord of (His) Servants
Secular Uses
The term also appears in non-theological contexts, symbolizing a master or owner, for example:
- Rabbu ʾd-Dār (رب الدار): Master of the House
- Rabbu ʾl-Arẓ (رب الأرض): Landowner
- Rabbu ʾl-Māl (رب المال): Possessor of Property
- Rabbu ʾs-Salaf (رب السلف): A person who pays in advance for an article
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring this subject further, consider the following books:
- “The Name & The Named: The Divine Attributes of Allah” by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti
- “God and His Attributes” by Allamah Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi
- “The Sublime Quran” by Laleh Bakhtiar
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ar-Rabb stands as a powerful term embodying the divine nurturing, sustaining, and ultimate authority of Allah. It is integral to Islamic understanding of God’s relationship to creation. While it is commonly translated as “The Lord,” the depth of its meaning goes beyond mere ownership, reflecting a profound, nurturing, and guiding aspect of the Divine.
In summary, the term Ar-Rabb serves not only as a theological cornerstone in understanding Allah but also enriches the vocabulary with which Muslims relate to and worship God.
