Explanation
The Arabic word “jabara,” which means “to compel” or “to mend,” is the source of the name Al-Jabbar. The name Al-Jabbar, which means “the Compeller” or “the Restorer,” stands for one of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ many attributes.
According to linguistic theory, Jabbar has an intensification structure. Jabeerah is used as a splint to support shattered bones, and Jaabir denotes a person who demands or restores. As the supreme controller, Al-Jabbaar causes anything He pleases. The ultimate and the One who brings about change for His creation, He is.
When we learn about Al-Jabbar, we understand that ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ possesses unrivalled power, dominance, and strength over all of His creation. He is “praised and exalted,” according to Imam Al-Ghazali, “for He compels everything and nothing compels Him, and He has no rival on either score.” We become quiet as we come to this realization. We can no longer think of ourselves as superior. We realise He is the one who raised our status. He benefits His creation, but he is self-sufficient. This name might serve as a reminder to avoid exaggerating your accomplishments and ego.
Although Jabbaar appears ten times in the Quran, it is only once used for ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Only ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is al-Jabbaar in a positive connotation; the word “Jabbar” is used nine times to describe humans who oppress others. Al-Jabbaar is the One who forces the oppressors, overwhelming them with His might. His might is defined in terms of power.
You are compelled by Al-Jabbaar because He made you the way He wants you to be. You are forced to accept your shape and form, as well as your heart’s beating, blood flowing through your body, nerve cells firing, the way your brain functions, dozing off and waking up. All of them are unintentional activities that have been forced by ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ omnipotence. Take some time each day to consider how you were created, and allow that to deepen your faith in Al-Jabbar, who has the absolute power to make anything He wants it to be.
The name Al-Jabbar also provides an ongoing reminder to Muslims of the value of humility and submission to ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ will. It reminds us that ultimately, whatever how strong or accomplished a person may appear to be, they are subject to Allah’s will.
One of ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ many names is Al-Jabbar, and it stands for ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ ability to restore and cure what is damaged, inspire others to do good and provide justice and balance to the world. Muslims are reminded of the value of humility and obedience to ALLAHسُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ will.
Quran References
He is Allah: there is no god but He: the King, the Holy, the All-Peace, the Giver of security, the Overseer, the Most Mighty, the Overpowering, the All-Great. Exalted be He from whatever they associate with Him.
(Quran 59:23)