Names of Allah
Al-Jabbar
Al-Jabbār
The Compeller, the Restorer — the supreme power who reforms His creation and whose will cannot be opposed.
What does Al-Jabbar mean?
Al-Jabbar is one of the 99 Names of Allah, mentioned in Surah al-Hashr (59:23). It carries two profound meanings: "The Compeller" — the One supremely high, whose will prevails over all and whom none can resist or overcome; and "The Restorer" — the One who mends what is broken, sets right the wronged, and consoles the grieving and the weak. Majesty and gentleness meet in this single name.
The Meaning in Depth
As the Compeller, Al-Jabbar is irresistibly supreme: His decree is carried out, His will is never thwarted, and all creation is subject to Him. Yet the same root means to "set a bone," and so Al-Jabbar is also the One who mends broken hearts, restores the oppressed, compensates loss, and lifts up the humbled. The believer thus turns to Al-Jabbar both in awe of His might and in hope that He will mend what is broken in their life.
Al-Jabbar in the Quran
- "...the Exalted in Might, the Compeller (Al-Jabbar), the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him." (59:23)
The name appears here in the majestic list of al-Hashr; its restorative meaning is well established in the Sunnah and the supplications of the Prophet ﷺ.
Living by This Name
Al-Jabbar gives the believer two comforts: humility before the One whose power is absolute, and hope in the One who restores. The broken-hearted, the wronged, and the struggling turn to Al-Jabbar to mend their state. A known supplication between the two prostrations includes: "O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and restore me (wajburni)" — asking Al-Jabbar to mend every deficiency and loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Al-Jabbar mean a harsh tyrant?
No. When used for created beings, "jabbar" can mean a cruel tyrant, but for Allah it means the Supreme whose will prevails — joined with the beautiful meaning of the Restorer who mends the broken. His might is perfect and just, never cruel.
How is Al-Jabbar a source of comfort?
Because the same name that affirms His irresistible power also affirms that He mends what is broken. The believer who feels crushed by loss or injustice turns to Al-Jabbar, asking Him to restore and set right what no one else can.
Etymology & origin
Al-Jabbar (الجبار) is from the root J-B-R (ج-ب-ر), which joins two ideas: "to mend and restore what is broken" (as a jabirah is a splint that sets a bone) and "to be supreme, irresistible, and compelling". Al-Jabbar is therefore both the Compeller whose will none can resist, and the Restorer who mends the broken-hearted and the wronged.
References
- Quran:
- 59:23
- Hadith:
- Muslim 772 (the Prophet said in ruku: subhana dhi al-jabarut...); Abu Dawud 850 (the dua between prostrations: O Allah forgive me and restore me — wajburni); Muslim 482 (the supremacy of Allah); Bukhari 7382 (the King and Compeller on the Day of Judgement)
Related terms
Al-Aziz
The Almighty, the Invincible — possessing absolute might and honor that nothing can overcome.
Al-Malik
The King, the Sovereign — the Absolute Ruler whose dominion encompasses everything in existence.
Al-Mutakabbir
The Supreme, the Majestic — the One who is above any need or attribute of His creation.
Al-Qahhar
The Dominant, the Subduer — supreme over all creation, whose will overcomes everything.
Ar-Rahman
The Most Gracious — Allah's all-encompassing mercy extending to all creation in this world, believers and disbelievers alike.