Reflections on the Name of Allah: Ar-Rabb
Ar-Rabb linguistically is the educator, the owner, the master and the provider of blessings. The closest meaning to man is Al-Murabbi (educator), since the word rabb is derived from tarbiyah (education).
Allah the Almighty is Murabbi of His creations and Mudabbir (the Manager) of their affairs. Al-Murabbi has two main traits:
– He provides His creations with their needs
– He takes care of them.
The One Who provides us with our needs is our Lord, and the One Who disciplines us, guides us to His Straight Path, and makes us turn to Him is also our Lord.
When we say, “Allah is the Lord of the Worlds”, we mean that He is the One Who creates us, provides us with sustenance, and guides us to Him. Based on these facts, man has three blessings:
1- The blessing of existence
2- The blessing of sustenance
3- The blessing of guidance
Allah the Almighty has created you and before that you were nothing, He provided you and He guided you to Him. Allah the Almighty says:
(Say: “Shall I seek a lord other than Allah, while He is the Lord of all things? No person earns any (sin) except against himself (only), and no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. Then unto your Lord is your return, so He will tell you that wherein you have been differing.”) Al-An’am 6:164
Allah the Almighty says:
(Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He Istawa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!) Al-A’raf 7:54
This Ayah refers to the meaning of Lordship. If a man manufactures a certain device and sells it, he has nothing to do with it anymore, since it does not belong to him. On the other hand, the Commandment of everything Allah the Almighty creates is His. Allah the Almighty says:
(Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)!)
Furthermore, Allah the Almighty knows what makes man pleased and on the Right Path, and He guides him to his happiness.
(Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment.)
I would like to the highlight the two meanings of the abovementioned part of the Ayah:
The 1st meaning: The creation and the commandment of the creation are Allah’s.
The 2nd meaning: Whoever is created cannot be upright and steadfast unless he acts upon the Order of the Creator.
(His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!)
Ar-Rabb: The Source of All Sustenance
وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا كُلٌّ فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ (Hud 11:6)
(And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and its place of storage. All is in a clear register.)
As Ar-Rabb, Allah is the ultimate provider of all sustenance. Every creature on earth relies on Allah for its provision, and He ensures that all their needs are met. This divine provision is not limited to mere survival but extends to every aspect of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Recognizing Allah as the source of all sustenance helps believers develop gratitude and reliance on Him, knowing that He is fully aware of their circumstances and always provides what is best for them.
Ar-Rabb: The Nurturer and Sustainer of Souls
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاءُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ (Fatir 35:15)
(O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.)
Allah, as Ar-Rabb, not only provides for our physical needs but also nurtures and sustains our souls. Every human being is in constant need of Allah’s guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. Our spiritual well-being is intricately connected to our recognition of Allah’s role as our Sustainer. Through His divine wisdom, Allah provides us with the spiritual nourishment necessary for our growth and development. This includes guidance through the Quran, the example of the prophets, and the internal sense of right and wrong that directs us towards Him.
The Protector and Guardian
وَهُوَ الْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِ وَيُرْسِلُ عَلَيْكُمْ حَفَظَةً حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا وَهُمْ لَا يُفَرِّطُونَ (Al-An’am 6:61)
(And He is the subjugator over His servants. And He sends over you guardian-angels until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers take him, and they do not fail [in their duties].)
As Ar-Rabb, Allah is the Protector and Guardian of all His creations. He watches over us at all times, ensuring our safety and well-being. This divine protection encompasses all aspects of life, from the physical dangers we face to the spiritual challenges that threaten our faith. Allah’s guardianship reassures believers that they are never alone, even in their most difficult moments. His angels are sent to watch over us, and His mercy and protection are ever-present, guiding us through the trials of life and ensuring our ultimate return to Him.