Jabarīyah - Beliefs and Divisions within Islamic Theology

Jabarīyah - Beliefs and Divisions within Islamic Theology

Etymology and Translations

Jabarīyah (Arabic: الجبرية) derives from the root word “jabr” (جبر), meaning “force” or “compulsion.” The term is thus associated with the theological stance that emphasizes divine predestination over human free will. In Turkish, the term is similarly transliterated as Cebriye.

Beliefs

The Jabarīyah are essentially determinists, positing that all actions, both good and evil, are predestined by God, leaving little or no autonomy to human beings. This view stands in contrast to the Qadarīyah, who emphasize human free will and responsibility.

Divisions within Jabarīyah

The Jabarīyah are divided into several subgroups, each with unique nuances concerning the nature of free will, divine decree, punishment, and responsibility:

1. Muẓt̤ariyah:

   • Beliefs: Both good and evil are entirely from God, and man is not responsible for his actions.
   • Key Point: This subgroup holds an extreme view of divine determinism.

2. Afʿālīyah:

   • Beliefs: Man is responsible for his actions, although the power to act is alone from God.
   • Key Point: This subgroup acknowledges human responsibility but still attributes ultimate power to God.

3. Maʿīyah:

   • Beliefs: Man possesses entirely free will.
   • Key Point: This subgroup diverges sharply from the core Jabarīyah concept, aligning more closely with the Qadarīyah.

4. T̤arīqīyah:

   • Beliefs: Faith alone, without works, will save a man.
   • Key Point: Emphasizes belief over actions in terms of salvation.

5. Bak͟htīyah:

   • Beliefs: Since every mortal receives according to God’s gift, it is not lawful to give away one’s share.
   • Key Point: Stresses divine allocation and its immutability.

6. Mutamannīyah:

   • Beliefs: Good works are those that bring comfort and happiness in this world.
   • Key Point: Focuses on the worldly benefits of good actions.

7. Kāslānīyah:

   • Beliefs: Punishment and reward from God are according to one’s actions.
   • Key Point: Asserts a balance of divine judgment based on human deeds.

8. Ḥabībīyah:

   • Beliefs: As friends do not injure each other, so God, being a God of love, does not punish His creation.
   • Key Point: Highlights the benevolence of God and His non-punitive nature.

9. K͟haufīyah:

   • Beliefs: As friends do not terrify each other, God does not terrify His people by judgments.
   • Key Point: Emphasizes God’s gentle treatment of humanity.

10. Fikrīyah:

    • Beliefs: Contemplation is better than worship and more pleasing to God.
    • Key Point: Prioritizes intellectual reflection over ritualistic worship.

11. Ḥasabīyah:

    • Beliefs: There is no such thing as fate or predestination in the world.
    • Key Point: Rejects the notion of predestination entirely.

12. Ḥujjatīyah:

    • Beliefs: Since everything is from God, man cannot be held responsible for either good or evil.
    • Key Point: Affirms an absolute divine determinism, absolving man of any responsibility.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Islamic Theology and Society in the 2nd Century of the Hijra - Volume 1” by Michael Cook
2. “The Origins of Islamic Jurisprudence: Meccan Fiqh before the Classical Schools” by Harald Motzki
3. “Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ash’arism, and Political Sunnism” by Jeffry R. Halverson
4. “Studies in Islamic Law and Society” by Bernard G. Weiss

Takeaways and Conclusion

The Jabarīyah represent a significant stream within Islamic thought, emphasizing divine decree and often negating human free will. Within this overarching framework, various subgroups present a spectrum of beliefs concerning human agency, responsibility, and the nature of divine judgment. Understanding these nuances provides deeper insights into broader Islamic debates on theology, ethics, and law.

This exploration offers a foundation for further study and reflection on the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human freedom in Islamic theology.

Note: This enhanced structure provides a comprehensive overview of the Jabarīyah, aligned with scholarly conventions and suitable for inclusion in a reference dictionary on Islam.