Understanding ‘Rabb’ () رب

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION Himself firmly on the Throne. He throws the veil of night over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession. It was He who created the sun, the moon and the stars, and made them subservient to His will. His is the creation, His the command, Blessed be God, Lord of the universe.” (Quran, 7:54) The phrase “His is the creation, His the command” appears to have been interpreted here as referring to “political Rububiyyah”—suggesting that since creation belongs to Him, then legal and political sovereignty should likewise be exercised over people solely by Him. While I do not doubt the independent necessity of this principle, this phrase does not convey that. Upon closer examination of the entire verse, it becomes evident that the segment “His is the creation, His the command” reiterates what was already mentioned in the preceding words. The verses first mention creation in the words “He created the heavens and the earth,” and then refer to command in the phrase “subjected by His command.” This point is then clearly restricted to God alone in the subsequent statement: “Indeed, to Him belong creation and command.” In other words, God alone has created the heavens, the earth, and everything within them, and He alone exercises direct control over all that exists. Therefore, fear and hope