The Name ‘Jabbār’ and the Universe of Meaning
The name “Jabbār,” frequently encountered in the works of Mevlânā Celaleddin Rumi, is of Arabic origin. While it carries meanings such as ‘one who mends broken bones’ and ‘completer,’ it also evokes associations of being harsh and stubborn among the people. As one of God’s attributes, this name represents absolute power and order; it expresses the divine might that creates and protects everything in the universe with flawless perfection. Its appearance in the Qur’an emphasizes the depth and importance of this name’s meaning, while Mevlânā teaches humanity to internalize this effort of completion and repair; for even within each person’s soul there is a brokenness and deficiency that can be completed through divine love.
The Tension Between Determinism (Cebir), Choice (İhtiyar), and Human Freedom
“Cebir” (determinism) and “ihtiyar” (choice) are key areas of discussion in Mevlânā’s works, representing different perspectives on the origin of human actions. Cebir is the belief that everything happens according to God’s decree, while ihtiyar expresses a person’s ability to act with their own will and freedom. Mevlânā attempts to strike a balance between these two seemingly contradictory concepts; he adopts neither a purely fatalistic nor a purely libertarian approach. People’s actions are considered both as a result of divine decree and as an expression of their own choices, thus establishing a delicate balance between human responsibility and divine manifestation.
Mu’tazilites, Ahl al-Sunna, and Shia: Different Understandings of Will
During Mevlânā’s time, there were different interpretations regarding cebir and ihtiyar within Islamic thought. The Mu’tazilite school defended the idea that humans possess complete free will, while Ahl al-Sunna attempted to reconcile these two concepts by stating that humans have a limited (minor) will. The Shia Imami sect argued that although God creates the actions of the servant, this does not negate responsibility. Mevlânā’s approach can be considered a synthesis of these different views; he accepts human will while also acknowledging the supremacy of divine power, and demonstrates that overcoming this tension is possible through love.
The Amber Metaphor: The Quest for Inner Purity
Mevlânā uses language rich in symbolism and imbues ordinary objects like “amber” with profound meanings. Amber’s ability to attract straw represents the negativity and impurities within a person’s inner world. This metaphor invites humanity to constantly cleanse, purify, and reach for inner purity; because spiritual development requires an internal transformation rather than external beauty. Mevlânā’s teaching aims to transcend amber’s tendency to draw in debris and become a stone that radiates light and adds value.