Al-Jabbaar

﷽

The ninth name we will be discussing and learning about is ‘Al-Jabbaar’ – The Restorer, The Repairer, The All-Compelling, The Irresistible.

Al-Jabbaar is the One who irresistibly restores all of creation to soundness and sufficiency. The One who repairs, reforms and completes. The One who irresistibly compels things to be set aright. The One who compels each and every thing according to divine will, yet is never compelled. The One who is high, above all creation and irresistible.

Allah calls Himself Al-Jabbaar on one occasion in the Quran. The word ‘Jabbaar’ comes from the root jeem-baa-raa which points to three main meanings.

The first main meaning is to compel and force someone to do something
The second is to be supreme and high
The third main meaning is to repair, to mend, or to restore something

So, how can we live by this name?

1) Reflect on how Al-Jabbaar compels you.
Al-Jabbaar compels you by having created you in the way He wills you to be. You are compelled in all the ways things are involuntary to you – your form and shape as well as the beating of your heart, your blood circulation, the way your brain works, falling asleep, and waking up. These are all involuntary– they are compelled by Allah’s power. Every day, take time to reflect on the way you are made and let it increase you in imaan in the perfect power and might of Al-Jabbaar, who compels the creation to be as He wishes. Think about the way in which your body takes care of you without you having to think about it, our involuntary reflexes, the way our immune systems defend and protect us to a level, the way your body tells you to get some rest and how you know when to eat, etc, etc. but also think of how Allah compels everything around us, the way the sun rises and sets, the way the sun reflects on the moon and lights our nights, the way the birds, bees and all of creation has its purpose and innate responses to things. The way in which it rains and the trees provide shade, the way fruits and crop grow. Just the way this world works, nothing would happen without the will of Allah, everything is taken care of by Him. He is always protecting and taking care of us without us even realising, in ways in which we don’t even think about-but He does. He takes care of our every breath. No one loves us and takes care of us more than Him. Be grateful to Him and thank Al-Jabbaar for the way in which He takes care of every little thing in such an elegant manner.

2) Don’t be jabbaar.
The attribute of jabr does not befit the people; you are supposed to be an ‘abd of Al-Jabbaar. ‘Thus does Allah seal over every heart [belonging to] an arrogant tyrant. [Quran, 40:35].’ An example is when you harm or hurt other people’s feeling or undermine their authority, hurting them by your words or actions. So never be arrogant and do not see yourself as above any other. We are all the creation of Allah. Where Allah has blessed us today, He could take tomorrow, where He has not given to another today He could give tomorrow. Remember the things of this world are all temporary. Be kind and understanding towards others and don’t force or compel them to do things they do not wish to, be kind and show mercy towards others and lead by example.

3) Mend someone’s heart.
If you have hurt or oppressed someone in any way, ask for their forgiveness straight away. If you see people suffering, try to talk to them and show them your care. Mend someone’s heart because Al-Jabbaar will mend yours in times of need. Show mercy and kindness towards others- help them through their tough times and support them in repairing the hearts and coming out of dark spaces. Be there for others and Al-Jabbaar will be there for you. If you ever hurt someone then apologise with sincerity but also seek Allahs forgiveness for hurting His creation and pray He heals their heart. Pray for everyone around you and those you know- for them to receive His shifaa and mercy and for Him to heal and fill them with peace.

4) Turn to Al-Jabbaar to fix your faults.
Never lower your standards, rather raise your faith in Al-Jabbaar to improve you in places where you lack. Ask Him to fix your deficiencies, put your life in order, and transform your sins into good deeds. Seek shelter in Him from all your distresses and take this as a general rule in your life. Allah is the one who repairs, He can fix anything and will aid you in working on yourself and being better. Al-Jabbaar will help restore and repair your hearts as well as make it easy for you to work on bettering yourself. None of us are perfect and have things to improve, call upon Him to heal and improve you.

5) Ask Al-Jabbaar.
The Prophet ﷺ used to say between two prostrations in prayer ‘Allāhumma’ghfir lī, war’ḥamnī, wahdinī, wajburnī, wa`āfinī, warzuqnī, warfa`nī.’ O Allah, forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me, support me, protect me, provide for me and elevate me [Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmidhee] Wajburnee refers to “reform or fix” my affairs. The Prophet ﷺ also said in prostration and bowing: ‘Subhana dhil jabaroot wal malakoot wal kibriyaa’i wal ‘athamah.’ How perfect He is, The Possessor of total power (jabaroot), sovereignty, magnificence and grandeur [Abu Dawood] Memorise these supplications so you can benefit from them. We’ve spoken a lot in this and ask Al-Jabbaar for all of the above, He is truly the responder to prayers and will always respond.

Call upon Allah, Al-Jabbaar, knowing that He is the One who compels and restores and who is Highest. Ask Him to mend our hearts when we are distressed and protect us from oppression and from being oppressive to others. To make us obey His commands willingly, and enable us to reach all our goals and please Him. Ask Him to repair the hearts of those we love and of those we have hurt, ask Him to better us all in character and in action. May Allah shower His peace upon you all and may He guide our every step. May He protect us and our loved ones and allow us to enter His kingdom of Jannah with them. May He purify our intentions and increase us in imaan. Ameen.

JazakAllah khayr for taking the time to read this, I pray it has benefitted you – please share this with anyone who you think may benefit as well – and as mentioned in previous posts, I am raising funds this Ramadan for much-needed permanent homes in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, if possible please share and donate to this link.

We often forget and take for granted our blessings, something as little as a roof over our heads, clean drinking water and warm food, others can only dream about. This Ramadan we’re doing our bit to help change that, by building homes for those less fortunate in the impoverished villages of Azad Kashmir. Each home will have 2 Rooms, a Kitchen, bathroom, enough to house 6 people, clean drinking water, electricity and best of all, the residents will have free healthcare for life! Zakat is applicable.

You can also donate via PayPal to: Info@salamcharity.org.uk
Please note down the amount transferred and write a note to the supporting cause: Rimsha’sHomeAppeal – MUSPakSoc

Don’t forget to share this with any friends and family you think might be interested in supporting as well and feel free to ask any questions you have via Instagram as well @muspaksoc @salamcharityuk

JazakAllah Khair for your efforts

References: information in this post was collated from understandquran.com and the beautiful names of Allah series on wahiduddin.net.