A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The meaning of the term "Lord" (al-Rabb).
In the Arabic language, the term "Lord" is applied
to the owner who has full authority,
to the master, the administrator,
the nurturer, the reformer, and the overseer.
It is not used without being annexed to something else
except when referring to Allah the Exalted.
As He, the Almighty and Majestic, said:
“There was indeed a sign for Sheba in their dwelling-place: Two gardens on the right hand and the left (as who should say): Eat of the provision of your Lord and render thanks to Him. A fair land and an indulgent Lord!” (34:15)
“There was indeed a sign for Sheba in their dwelling-place: Two gardens on the right hand and the left (as who should say): Eat of the provision of your Lord and render thanks to Him. A fair land and an indulgent Lord!” (34:15)
However, if it is used to describe someone other than Allah the Exalted,
it must be annexed to a noun.
Thus, one says "lord of the house,"
or "lord of the beast,"
meaning its owner who has authority over it.
The most frequent usage in the Qur'an
of the term "Lord"
is in reference to Allah the Exalted.
Most of these instances appear in the possessive (annexed) form,
as He, the Almighty and Majestic, said:
"Lord of the worlds."
And He said:
"Lord of the heavens and the earth
and all that is between them."
And He said:
"Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers."
This is a description of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic,
which encompasses the linguistic meanings
mentioned for the term "Lord."
For Allah’s Lordship over the world,
and everything within it,
entails His authority over it,
His administration of it, His reforming of it,
and the execution of His command within it at every moment.
He, glory be to Him, is with the world,
in every hour, attending to a matter.
He creates and provides,
He gives life and causes death,
He abases and exalts,
He gives and withholds,
and He honors and humiliates.
He is the Guardian over every soul,
with all its good and its evil.
Everything in the universe
subsists through Him.
Thus, the affairs of the entire universe are directed
by the will and decree of Allah.