The Name ‘Al-Jabbar’ in the Quran and Sunnah
The name “Al-Jabbar” appears only once in the Holy Quran, in the following verse:
“He is Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Sovereign, the Most Sacred, the Peace, the Believer, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller (Al-Jabbar), the Supreme. Glory be to Allah above what they associate.” (Surah Al-Hashr, verse 23).
In this verse, “Al-Jabbar” is one of the beautiful names of Allah, indicating His power in rectifying matters and humbling the arrogant. In this context, “Al-Jabbar” is the One who heals the broken-hearted, opens the doors of hope after oppression, and strengthens the hearts of the afflicted to remain steadfast.
Al-Jabbar in the Sunnah
The name “Al-Jabbar” is mentioned in several hadiths, one of which is narrated by Al-Bukhari from the hadith of Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him):
“The earth on the Day of Judgment will be like a single loaf, and the Compeller will turn it in His hand as one of you turns a loaf of bread in his travels, as a provision for the people of Paradise.”
This hadith shows that “Al-Jabbar” in this context is the One who controls the fate of the universe and turns it as He wills.
Al-Jabbar in Numerology
According to numerology, the name “Al-Jabbar” in Arabic has a numerical value of 206, based on the numerical values of the letters (J = 3, B = 2, A = 1, R = 200). This value corresponds to the position of the name “Al-Jabbar” in the series of the beautiful names mentioned in the verse, where “Al-Jabbar” is in the eighth position.
Al-Jabbar in Human Characteristics
When talking about “Al-Jabbar” in the context of human characteristics, Al-Asfahani mentions in his book “Gharib Al-Quran” that “Al-Jabbar” refers to a person who compensates for his deficiencies by claiming a high position that he does not deserve, and this meaning is used in a negative sense. For example, the Quran says:
“And every arrogant tyrant is doomed.” (Ibrahim: 15)
And also in the verse:
“And I was not made a tyrant, wretched.” (Al-Qasas: 32)
The discussion about “Al-Jabbar” in this context refers to the arrogant person who refuses to accept the truth.
The Linguistic Usage of “Al-Jabbar” in the Quran and Hadith
One important usage of the term “Al-Jabbar” is in the sense of action and influence. When we use this name in relation to Allah, it is understood as the One who compels people to do what He wills. In the Arabic language, Al-Jabbar is considered an active attribute , meaning the One who is incapable of being thwarted in His will.
Sufi Interpretation of the Name “Al-Jabbar”
Abu Al-Qasim Al-Qushayri says: “Al-Jabbar is the One who is proud in His essence, and Al-Jabbar is from the Jabrīyyah, and it is one of the names that reflects Allah’s absolute power in dealing with His creation.” He also adds: “Al-Jabbar is the ultimate rectifier; it is said, ‘I compelled him to do something,’ which means that Allah repairs the world as He wills, and no one has the power to oppose Him.”
The View of Sufi Scholars on “Al-Jabbar”
Sheikh Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali sees “Al-Jabbar” as the One whose will prevails over everything:
“Al-Jabbar is the One who no one escapes His grasp, and no one can impose their will on Him.”
This interpretation points to Allah’s power to control all things according to His will, with no opposition.
Al-Jabbar in Relation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
When speaking about “Al-Jabbar” in relation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Al-Qadi Ayad mentions in his book “Al-Shifa”:
“The Prophet was referred to as ‘Al-Jabbar’ in the Book of Dawood, where it says: ‘O Jabbar, gird your sword, and your law and Shariah are accompanied by the power of your right hand.'”
It adds: “Al-Jabbar here was for reforming his nation through guidance and education.”
This means that the Prophet ﷺ overcame his enemies with his greatness, and reformed his nation through his guidance and reforms.
Conclusion: The Meaning of “Al-Jabbar”
The name “Al-Jabbar” in the description of Allah means the One who compels people as He wills, whether in their actions or their states. He is the One who is never thwarted. He subdues His servants to His will. However, in the human context, this name is used to describe arrogance and tyranny. Hence, there is a difference between the meaning of “Al-Jabbar” in the context of Allah and in the human context.