AL-JABBAR [The Compeller, The Restorer]

AL-JABBAR

Root Word

Jabbaar comes from the root ج ب ر, which points to three main meanings.

• To compel and force someone to do something

• To be supreme and high

• To repair, to mend, or to restore something.

AL-JABBAR Meaning

Allahﷻ is Al-Jabbar, the one who is the most high and supreme—the one who compels, restores, resets, or fixes. However, the meaning “compeller” is being used the most prominent and often mentioned with Allah's name Al-Jabbar.

Al-Jabbar, meaning compeller means, Heﷻ does not need anyone’s approval, or help to implement His decree. He does not need anything to sustain Him, but Heﷻ sustains everything. Heﷻ is not dependent on anything to exist, or make things happen, unlike His creation. Compeller means nothing can oppose His divine will because Heﷻ is the creator of the will. Nothing prevails over Him.

Al-Jabbaar Himself says: He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller. [Quran, 59:23]

Reflection

Jabbaar occurs ten times in the Quran but is only used once for Allahﷻ. Nine times jabbaar refers to the people oppressing others and only Allah is al-Jabbaar in a positive sense. His might is in the sense of power; Al-Jabbaar is the One who compels the tyrants, overwhelming them with His power and might.

The Quran uses the word “Jabbaar” ten times, but only once to refer to Allahﷻ. In the other nine instances, it refers to people who oppress others. Whenever the word Al-Jabbar is used in the Quran about people, points to cruelty because of gained or given power, and authority, However, the only positive instance of the use of Al-Jabbar in the Quran is for Allahﷻ.

Have you ever noticed, unlike people, when Allahﷻ Subhana Wa ta’la uses his power and authority, it is for the benefit of us, His creation - because nothing can benefit Allahﷻ, Heﷻ is self-sufficient - but when people are given power or authority of something in a certain time, they use it mostly to benefit themselves. SubhanAllah, there is nothing more eye-opening for us not just to understand the reality of people, ourselves, and this world.

When Allahﷻ tests us or blesses us, it is for us to learn something. Something good happening for us to make us humble and grateful. Something bad happening to us is to learn a lesson from it to live our life in a better way, and save ourselves from the mistakes and the illusion of this temporary world.

Do you know where the beauty, and the difference between the creator, and the creation is? It’s in the exact contrast of the master and the servant. Allahﷻ makes us go through all the good and bad for our good. He does everything for us, for He needs nothing from us. Nothing can give or take anything from Allahﷻ. We not doing anything for Allahﷻ, doesn’t make Allahﷻ any less, but us. He is All, and He is the only complete.

The power of Allahﷻ compels everything from the cells working in our brains to our existence. The way you are made, to way every individual feels is compelled by Allahﷻ.

Navigate your life with Al-Jabbar

Take 10 minutes every day to sit with the majesty of Al-Jabbar, and reflect on your creation, the body that is given to you, and the senses given to you. The people in your life and every single happening is the power of Allahﷻ - and one thing you must know is that all of it is from your Lord, who is Ar-Rehman(the most merciful), and Al-Hakeem(the most wise).

Humble yourself

The attribute of Jabbar does not suit a servant. Being Jabbar is not just meant to oppress someone, but also your conduct towards the rights of people, being fair, and just in your feelings, and actions.

When we listen to our nafs, we are being jabbar. When we prefer worldly things over Allah’s command, we are being jabbar. When we can be kind but choose not to, we are being jabbar. When we do not fulfill people’s rights, we are being jabbar.

Seek from Al-Jabbar

When your heart hurts more than you can take, seek shelter and comfort in Al-Jabbar - nothing is impossible for Him. When you find it hard to keep going, seek Al-JAbbar. When nothing seems to be right, ask Al-Jabbar.

Prophet Muhammadﷺ used to make this dua in between two prostrations:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَاجْبُرْنِي، وَعَافِنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي، وَارْفَعْنِي

O Allah forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, reform me, protect me, provide for me and elevate me.

Rely on Al-Jabbar

Reliance comes from and with gratitude and patience, amongst many other virtues. It comes when we are tired, and we have tried everything in our control. Reliance comes when we realize that our best is not even the start of the best - but just some attempts, in our imperfection.

When things go out of our hands, reliance on Allahﷻ comes as a refreshing breath that liberates us of fear and hurt - when we realize it was all from Allahﷻ, it is all from Allahﷻ, and whatever you have been wanting, will come from the power of Allah.

With this beautiful name of Allahﷻ, bring hope and contentment to your hearts - know that you are here to serve Allahﷻ. When you are given be grateful, as it increases the blessings, and when something bad happens to you, leave it to Allahﷻ and seek His mercy.