Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Jabbar
The Restorer, The Repairer. There are several accepted meanings to this name. The most often quoted is The Compeller.
The title “The Compeller” (Al-Jabbar) emphasizes the aspect of Allah’s sovereignty and absolute authority over His creation. As “The Compeller,” Allah enforces His decree without any opposition, indicating that His will is executed without hindrance or resistance.
This attribute underscores the idea that Allah’s power is unmatched and unchallengeable. No one can thwart His will or prevent Him from carrying out His plans. In other words, Allah’s authority is supreme, and His decrees are implemented without question or interference.
The concept of “The Compeller” serves to remind believers of the awe-inspiring magnitude of Allah’s power and the certainty of His divine will. It encourages trust and submission to Allah’s guidance and providence, knowing that His decrees are enacted with perfect wisdom and justice.
Ultimately, recognizing Allah as “The Compeller” instills a sense of humility and reverence, acknowledging His absolute dominion over all creation and affirming the belief that nothing can prevail over His divine decree.
The other interpretation is the repairer. He restores all of creation. He heals the broken-hearted, binds their wounds, and brings comfort to the weak. He compels each and everything to His divine will but is never Himself compelled.
The additional meaning of “Al-Jabbar” as the one who restores, resets, or fixes our brokenness adds another layer of depth to understanding this divine attribute. It suggests that Allah possesses the power to forcefully intervene and rectify situations that are disordered or broken, ultimately restoring them to a state of harmony and completeness.
This aspect of Allah’s nature highlights His ability to bring about positive change and transformation in our lives, even in circumstances where we may feel helpless or overwhelmed. By invoking the name “Al-Jabbar” in supplication (du’a), believers seek divine intervention to mend what is broken, heal what is wounded, and restore what is lost.
The idea that Allah can compel and change the state of things underscores His omnipotence and sovereignty over all aspects of existence. It reflects the belief that Allah’s power extends not only to creating and sustaining the universe but also to repairing and rejuvenating that which has fallen into disrepair.
(هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ ( الحشر 59: 23
(Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah. (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him) Al-Hashr 59:23
It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran
Trust in the Sovereignty of Al-Jabbar in Daily Worship
Recognizing Allah as Al-Jabbar, “The Compeller,” deeply influences the worship practices of Muslims by reinforcing their trust in His absolute sovereignty and will. This understanding encourages believers to submit wholeheartedly to Allah’s commands and decrees, performing their religious duties with the confidence that every aspect of their lives is under His control. By embracing this aspect of Al-Jabbar, Muslims develop a profound respect for the divine order, leading them to observe their prayers, fasting, and other obligations with greater diligence and devotion. The Quran affirms this relationship with divine command:
إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ يُدَبِّرُ الْأَمْرَ
“Indeed, your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne, arranging the matter [of His creation].” (Surah Yunus, 10:3)
Reflecting on Al-Jabbar in Community Solidarity
Understanding Allah as Al-Jabbar also has a profound impact on community solidarity and support. The attribute of being “The Compeller” who restores and repairs encourages a collective ethos of helping and uplifting each other. It prompts believers to engage in communal activities that restore and reinforce bonds, provide support to those in need, and create an environment where everyone can thrive under the protective and compelling will of Allah. This communal aspect not only strengthens social bonds but also aligns with Islamic teachings that emphasize mutual aid and collective responsibility. Such communal support is emphasized in the Quran:
وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ
“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)
Al-Jabbar’s Healing in Personal Trials
The restorative aspect of Al-Jabbar is particularly meaningful in times of personal trials and suffering. Believers find solace in knowing that Allah, “The Repairer,” not only compels but also heals and restores. This facet of Allah’s nature assures Muslims that, amidst their hardships, there is divine intervention that mends the broken-hearted and revitalizes weakened spirits. This belief is crucial in fostering resilience and hope during challenging times, providing a spiritual anchor and encouraging a deeper engagement with prayer and supplication for relief and recovery. The Quran offers comfort with these words:
وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ
“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:80)
These reflections on the attributes of Al-Jabbar offer a comprehensive understanding of how this divine name can influence personal devotion, provide comfort in trials, and enhance community life, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Allah’s sovereignty and compassion.