Understanding ‘Rabb’ () رب

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION conclusion, it took yet another turn. Toward the end of the discussion, after citing many Quranic verses under the heading “The Call of the Quran,” he finally writes: “It is evident from this sequence of verses that the Quran views Rububiyyah (Lordship) as entirely synonymous with sovereignty and authority, presenting the concept of Rabb (Lord) as the absolute, unrivalled ruler and owner of the universe... In this capacity, He is the nurturer and sustainer of us and all worlds, our provider and fulfiller of needs. In this capacity, He is our guarantor, caretaker, and the one upon whom we rely. In this capacity, loyalty to Him forms the natural foundation upon which the structure of our collective life is properly built, and connection to His central authority creates the bond of a single community among scattered individuals and groups. In this capacity, He alone is deserving of our worship, obedience, and servitude, and in this capacity, He is our Lord, master, and sovereign.” (p. 68-69) Initially it seems that, the word Rabb originally conveyed the concept of “nurturing”, but as nurturing necessitates certain requirements, additional meanings emerged. Nurturing requires possessing superior authority,