Get to Know the Jabariyah Ideology

In language, the word Jabariyah comes from the word Zabara which means to force or require to do something.

In terms of etymology or terms according to Asy-Syahrastani, he interprets Jabariyah as rejecting actions and relying on all actions to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. This means that humans have no part in doing what they do, but God determines everything.

Jabariyah's understanding was first introduced by Ja'ad bin Dirham, then spread by Jahm bin Shafwan from Khurasan.

In the development of this understanding, it was also developed by other figures, including Al Husein bin Muhammad Najjar and Ja'ad bin Dirrar.

Another opinion says that the emergence of the Jabariyah sect was influenced by Judaism and Christianity. Namely the Jews who belong to the Qurro sect and Christians who belong to the Yaqubiyah sect.

Some Islamic historians think that Jaad bin Dirham took this Jabariyah understanding from a Jew in Sham. However, according to Abu Zahrah Judaism is not the only owner of the role for the emergence of this understanding. Its appearance is also very likely due to the influence of the understanding of the Persian people who have many Zoroastrian religious backgrounds.

Regarding the Jabariyah sect, there are also experts in the history of Islamic theology who argue that the life of the Arab nation surrounded by the Sahara Desert has influenced their way of life.

Their dependence on the Sahara Desert which after giving rise to a surrendering attitude towards nature. So that their logic just surrenders to God's destiny.

In the course of its history the understanding of al-Jabariyyah has developed, Asy Syahrastani divided Jabariyah into two forms, namely: Pure Jabariyah, rejects actions originating from humans and views humans as having no ability to act let alone effort or strength. All deeds belong to Allah Alone so that humans are only like cotton in the wind, which has absolutely nothing and can do nothing.

Middle or moderate Jabariyah recognizes the existence of human actions but human actions do not limit. Moderate Jabariyah still considers that humans have passive powers given by God.

This means that humans are not like inanimate objects but still have power in their actions even though that role is passive. Therefore if someone still believes that the power created in humans has a role in actions and calls it a kasb (effort), then that person cannot be called Jabariah.

Jabariyah Doctrines

In general, the doctrines of the Jabariyah School can be described as follows:

Fatalism, namely total surrender considers humans unable to do anything instead they have no power and are forced to act by Allah SWT.
Heaven and hell are not eternal, and nothing is eternal except Allah SWT.
Faith is makrifat or justifies in the heart. In this case, this opinion is the same as the concept of faith taught by the murjiah school.
The word of God (Al-Quran) is a creature.
God cannot be seen in the afterlife.

In essence, the main point of Jabariyah's thought is the absolute denial of human actions. They believe that humans are the same as inanimate objects whose actions have been determined by Allah SWT and they do not have the slightest role.

That is a glimpse of the concept of Jabariyah firqah, which this firqah was later divided into two, namely pure Jabariyah and moderate Jabariyah. Pure Jabariyah is still divided into several groups, namely Al Jami'ah, an-Najmiyah, and ad Dhirariyah.

This Jabariyah understanding and school of thought physically no longer exists, but some of their doctrines may be still emerging in society.