Understanding ‘Rabb’ () رب

In this phrase, following the tyrants does not imply that they “obeyed them in political and social matters.” Rather, it suggests that despite the divine signs confirming the Messenger’s prophethood, they did not seek guidance from these signs. Instead, they aligned themselves with the rebellious leaders of the time who were denying the Messenger’s prophethood. In the book, Quran Ki Chaar Buniyadi Istlahein, this phrase is translated as: “And this is ‘Ad, who refused to accept the commands of their Lord” (p. 35). While the word ayah can also mean “command,” its primary meaning is “sign,” which is the intended meaning here. This implies that the signs given to them for recognizing the Messenger were not heeded, and they denied him. There is no mention of “political and social Rububiyyah” here. “They denied the signs”—That is, they disbelieved in the signs of their Lord with which He supported His Messenger, the one calling to Him, and through which He indicated his truthfulness. They denied them, saying: ‘O Hud, you have not brought us any clear proof.’ (Tafsir Ruh al-Ma‘ani, Vol. 6, p. 284) However, this was still not sufficient to satisfy the author under review, because he wanted to present power and governance not as merely one meaning among several, but as the primary and definitive meaning itself. Consequently, as the discussion was nearing its final