Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Salams

"The literal meaning of the Arabic word ‘rabb’ could also mean as you say,  the parents or the teachers,  or anyone who is the guardian or sponsor.   But when the word ‘Rabb’ is used for Allah,  it takes on a very wide meaning,  and the connotation is ‘Rabb ul Aalemeen’.    For Allah indeed is the Lord,  Master,  Owner,  Sustainer and Provider of everything that exists between the heavens and the earth. "

I fully agree to your opinion and this gives rise to another question.  In many places in the Quran the word Rabb is used.  But how could you or the unanimous muslim scholars be 100% sure that the word "Rabb is used for Allah in the ayat?  If it was to be used as "Rabb ul Aalemeen", then why not be put as "Rabb ul Aalemeen" and / or "Allah" instead of "Rabb"?   Though this question might seem vague, but it changes the whole meaning 'cos Rabb can be as you say the parents or the teachers, whereas Rabb is a connotative word for Allah as well.  For instance, in an ayat where it describes that Moosa (A.S.) went on Mt.Sinai and said "(Surah Al-Araf, Ayat 143)"    , it does not say anywhere Rabbul Aalemeen or Allah as a matter of fact, it just says Rabb.  So how come the muslim scholars and why did they linked it to Rabb ul Aalemeen though it could have been just simply plain Rabb (simple literal meaning like you said Quran is a book very easy to comprehend, so if Allah wanted to denote Himself, He couldve used Rabbul Aalemeen or Allah).By this, i am only trying to understand and appreciate Arabic as a very vast language where not interprating one word correctly, the whole meaning changes.  So i need proper guidance in such questions.  Whom should i approach?  Muslim scholars? naahh.. they even dont know many answers to such simple questions 'cos in fact they do not have the ilm of Aal-e-Mohammad.  Who would answer such queries?  Not that only Allah knows the answers to such questions 'cos Islam is a complete religion and to every question there has to be an answer.  What use is the Quran and Islam if questions cannot be fulfilled?  Rasool Allah(SAW) had said that "Achieving knowledge is faraz on every muslim".  So which knowledge was he talking about? Obviously, the knowledge if Aal-e-Mohammad. And that knowledge answers each and every "Why" questions.

Wassalam

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Answer:

Meaning of rabb

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol,  no person,  no grave, no prophet,  no imam,  no dai,  nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

The truth is brother, whoever understands even the basic Arabic language, can immediately understand from the context of the Quran and the way the word ‘Rabb’ is used if it means Allah or someone else. There is absolutely no doubt in the mind of the reader who understands Arabic about the use of the word ‘Rabb’ in the Glorious Quran.

It would be mis-guidance to take out one word from the aayah, and then apply a ‘literal’ meaning to that word and confuse yourself with the meaning of the Quran!   The Quran is extremely clear and absolutely in context, and when ‘Rabb’ is read in context, the reader will have no doubt if it refers to Allah or anyone else!

To give you a simple example, take the English word ‘President’.   One could use this title in many ways:

Mr.X is the president of ABC Corporation.

Mr. Z is the president of the United States of America.

If anyone who understands even the basics of the English language would immediately know the difference between the positions of the President of a corporation, and the President of the United States, although the word ‘president’ is used in both places!  Thus one has to read the word and sentence in context to understand the meaning.

Your Question: What use is the Quran and Islam if questions cannot be fulfilled?

The Quran is without doubt a complete Book of Guidance,  and any question which has anything to do with guidance,  will find an answer from the Glorious Quran.  

The truth of the matter is that today we are so unaware and so far from the clear guidance of the Quran,  that instead of blaming ourselves,  we start blaming the Quran and Islam!   And all this confusion and differences arise, simply because most of us do not understand the Holy Quran,  which was revealed as a Mercy to us by our Lord and Creator,  and very soon we shall all be called to account for it.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 16 Surah Nahl verse 89:We have sent down to you this Book, which makes everything plain,  and is a guidance,  blessing and good news to those who have surrendered themselves entirely.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 43 Surah Zukhruf verses 43-44:So,  hold fast to the Book that has been revealed to you,  you are surely on the Siraat al Mustaqeem.  The fact is that this book is a great honor for you and your people,  and soon you shall be CALLED TO ACCOUNT for it.

We have formed our own beliefs and ways,  and then we look towards the Quran,  or twist its meanings, or give its clear aayahs fancy interpretations to suit our beliefs and ways:  This is absolute misguidance!

Guidance would be to understand the clear aayahs of the Glorious Quran and then formulate our ways,  beliefs and actions according to the commands of the Quran.  That would be guidance.

We have tried to make the Quran follow our beliefs and ways,  rather than obey and follow the Glorious Quran.    We urge you to read the Holy Quran with understanding, without any bias or prejudice.  Then you will see how this Glorious Book guides you to the Siraat al Mustaqeem.

Your Comment:  Rasool Allah(SAW) had said that "Achieving knowledge is faraz on every muslim".  So which knowledge was he talking about? Obviously, the knowledge if Aal-e-Mohammad. And that knowledge answers each and every "Why" questions.

There we go again!!!!!!   Giving a fancy interpretation or answering the question yourself without any reference from the Glorious Quran!  To make such a statement as a basis of your belief, without any proof from the Quran,  is nothing but misguidance!   

Allah says in Chapter 2, Surah Baqarah aayat 185:"Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down: this Book is a perfect guidance for mankind and consists of CLEAR teachings which show the right way and are a Criterion of the Truth and falsehood."

Allah revealed the Quran as a perfect guidance for all mankind, and He Himself says that it consists of clear teachings which show the Right Way and are a Criterion of the Truth and falsehood.   Now, either the All Knowing, All Wise, Allah  (I take refuge in Allah from saying this) forgot to mention that ‘ilm of Aale-e-Mohamed’ in His Book of Guidance,  or you are saying something which is not true!

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 12 Surah Yusuf verses 38-40:(Prophet Yusuf said): “I follow the Way of my forefathers,  Ibrahim,  Ishaaq and Yaqoob: and it is not for us to associate anyone with Allah as a partner.   This is Allah’s Bounty upon us and upon all mankind (that He has not made us slaves of any other than Himself), yet most people are not grateful.  O my fellow prisoners,  say,  which is better:  various gods,  or the One Omnipotent Allah?  The names you worship other than Allah, are nothing more than mere names that you and your forefathers have invented,  for Allah has sent down no authority for them!   Sovereignty belongs to none but Allah Alone!   He has commanded that you shall not worship anyone but Him.   This is the Right and Straight Way,  but most people do not know this.”

Brother, the Quran will answer every ‘why’ question which relates to guidance!  There is no other source of knowledge than the very words of Allah Subhanah Himself.   The Messenger of Allah (saws) himself followed every command of the Holy Quran, and exhorted his noble family and companions and the believers to do the same.    He (saws) did not come to establish a kingdom for his descendants on this earth, but rather he (saws) was sent by the All Mighty to proclaim the Message and guide mankind out of the ways of ignorance to the light of guidance.   

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan