Is it permissible to describe someone as "lord of evil" or "lord of wickedness" to express the extent of their malice and evil?
It is permissible to use the name "Rabb" (Lord) for other than Allah Almighty if it is in an genitival construction (mudaf), such as "Rabb al-Dar" (Lord of the house), meaning its owner. However, in its absolute form, it is only proper for Allah Almighty. If it is said, "So-and-so is the rabb of evil," as a metaphor for his wickedness and constant association with evil, it is permissible in the sense of "the master of evil," and not in the sense of a god of evil. This is similar to their saying "Abu al-Shar" (father of evil) for an evil person. Nevertheless, it is better and safer to avoid it so that the meaning of "Rabb" is not confused with the meaning of God.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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