On Wednesday, 22nd January 2025, AMI hosted a research seminar led by Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain titled “The Interpretation of the Qur’anic Notion of Rabb in Context of the Abrahamic Scriptures.” The seminar explored the multi-layered meaning of the term Rabb (Lord) in the Qur’an and its parallels within the Bible. He argued that while the Qur’an often interprets itself, it should also be understood within the broader framework of divine revelation, including previous scriptures. By analysing key narratives from the Qur’an—particularly those concerning Adam, Abraham, and Moses—Shaykh Arif demonstrated how Rabb functions in varying capacities, sometimes referring to the ineffable God and at other times to a divine presence that directly communicates with Prophets.
A major theme of the discussion was the nature of divine communication. Shaykh Arif examined Qur’anic verses that describe how God speaks to humanity—either through inspiration, from behind a veil, or via an intermediary messenger. He also engaged with the hermeneutical question of whether certain descriptions of God, such as His “hands” or His “descent,” should be taken literally or metaphorically. Drawing on classical Islamic interpretations, as well as Biblical texts, he highlighted how the Qur’an’s portrayal of divine encounters aligns with the Old Testament’s depiction of Yahweh appearing in clouds, fire, or directly addressing prophets.
By comparing the Qur’anic and Biblical accounts, Shaykh Arif suggested that Rabb is not always a reference to the ultimate, ineffable God but can also denote a distinct divine function or agency that engages with human beings. This insight challenges traditional readings that assume a single, uniform meaning of Rabb throughout the Qur’an. The seminar concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on how understanding Rabb through a comparative scriptural lens can enrich our comprehension of revelation and divine communication across religious traditions.
Speaker Bio:
Shaykh Arif Abdul Hussain founded the Al-Mahdi Institute in 1993 and currently serves as its director and as a Senior Lecturer in Legal Theory and Philosophy.
Shaykh Arif began his seminary education at the Madrassa al-Sayyid al-Khūʾī in London from which he graduated in 1988. He continued his seminary studies in Qom between 1989 and 1993 during which time he also had the opportunity to study privately under some of the leading scholars of Qom. Upon returning to the UK, after founding AMI, he continued his advanced studies (dars al-khārij) under Ayatollah Hussain Amini. He was awarded an ijāza of ijtihād from both Ayatollah Hussain Amini and Ayatollah Professor Sayyid Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad.
He is the author of the Islam and God-Centricity series which presents the essential message of Islam through a fresh re-evaluation of religion and human purpose. In addition to these works, he has authored and translated numerous other books and articles. He is currently working on a translation of the second volume of al-Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr famous work of legal theory Durūs fī ʿilm al-uṣūl, having translated the first volume in 2003.
He is the author and translator of several other works and a prolific public speaker to Muslim communities around the world. He has previously taught at Madrassa al-Sayyid al-Khūʾī, the seminary of Qom, and the Islamic College, London.
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