A Comparative Study of the Concept of Lordship (Rububiyyah) from the Perspectives of Imami and Wahhabi Thought

Tawhid (monotheism), as the core principle of Islam, has been widely discussed across Islamic sects, especially in relation to God’s attributes. The concept of Rububiyyah (divine lordship), one of the most critical divine attributes in the Qur’an, has sparked profound debates among Imami and Wahhabi scholars. Imami theologians interpret Rububiyyah as God’s exclusive and independent governance and ownership, while Wahhabis define it merely as creation, dominion, and administration. They accuse other Muslims of shirk merely for attributing these attributes to anyone other than God. This article analyzes and compares these two perspectives, arguing that the Wahhabi interpretation, based on selective reading of Qur’anic verses, misrepresents true monotheism and distorts divine meanings. Research shows that Imami scholars believe Rububiyyah implies God’s independent management and reform of creation, and any attribution of such autonomy to others is deemed incompatible with monotheism. In contrast, Wahhabis misdefine Rububiyyah and label believers in intermediaries as polytheists. Through an explanatory-critical approach, this article aims to reveal contradictions in Wahhabi discourse and demonstrate the consistency of Imami thought with Qur’anic monotheism.