Al-Qabid
Allah is Al-Qaabid meaning whatever he wills comes to be. He is the one who enriches and makes poor, he decides to withhold something, or make something scarce. He is the taker of all souls at the time of death and he stretches his hand out to the believers so that they may repent and turn to him.
From the root q-b-d which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to take in the hand, clutch, lay hold of to grasp, grip, seize, hold firmly to have absolute ownership of something, barter to contract, shrink, draw together, make scanty, make scarce to contract the heart, i.e. distress, depression, lack of joy.
Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned. (Quran 2:245)
Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. And they rejoice in the worldly life, while the worldly life is not, compared to the Hereafter, except [brief] enjoyment. (Quran 13:26)
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Name: |
Al-Qabid |
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Al-Qabid in Arabic |
القابض |
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Arabic root: |
(ق ب ض) |
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Al-Qabid meaning in English: |
The Constrictor, The Withholder, The Restrainer |
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Al-Qabid meaning in Urdu |
بند کرنے والا |
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Appearance in the Quran: |
Doesn't explicitly appear in the Quran |
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Tasbeeh: |
Recite as many times as you desire; there is no specific prescribed amount. |
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Asma ul Husna with similar meaning: |
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The name "Al-Qabid" is derived from the Arabic root word "قبض," which translates to "to constrict" or "to withhold." The literal translation of "Al-Qabid" is "The Constrictor" or "The Withholder." This name signifies one of Allah's divine attributes related to His control, restraint, and regulation of various aspects of existence.
“Al-Qabid” sheds light on Allah's ability to confine or withhold what is necessary according to His divine will. It presents Him as an administrator of the universe. He is in charge of the natural forces and dictates what shall be. Unlike the confines of human nature, Allah's constraints are not based on defects or limitations. They instead reflect His infinite knowledge, justice, and divine decree.
While the name "Al-Qabid" itself might not have a direct proclamation in the Quran, using this specific term, various verses emphasize Allah's control and restraint.
For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261) Allah declares:
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ٢٦١
"The example of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is like that of a grain of corn that sprouts seven ears and in every ear, there are a hundred grains. Thus, Allah multiplies the action of whomsoever He wills. Allah is Munificent All-Knowing."
This verse illustrates Allah's control over sustenance and how He multiplies the actions of those who spend in His way. It indirectly reflects the concept of Allah's constriction and release in the context of providing and multiplying resources.
In understanding the quality of "Al-Qabid," believers recognize Allah's supreme authority and acknowledge that His infinite wisdom guides His constriction. It is a reminder to place trust in Allah's plan and to seek His guidance in times of need, understanding that His control is purposeful and benevolent.
The name "Al-Qabid" holds profound significance in the Islamic tradition, encapsulating a divine attribute that speaks to Allah's control, restraint, and regulation. Understanding the essence of "Al-Qabid" is tantamount to grasping the omnipotent authority of Allah over all aspects of existence. It beckons believers to reflect on the divine attributes of the Most High, recognizing His infinite wisdom and the purposeful nature of His control.
In Islam, the spiritual significance of "Al-Qabid" is embedded in recognizing Allah's supreme authority. This divine attribute serves as a reminder that Allah's control is not arbitrary but is governed by His boundless knowledge and justice. As believers reflect on the meaning of "Al-Qabid," they gain a deeper understanding of the intricate balance that Allah maintains in the universe.
The application of the name "Al-Qabid" extends to various aspects of a believer's daily life. It is invoked in daily prayers seeking blessings in supplications (duas) and incorporated into the practice of remembrance (dhikr). The frequency of its mention is found in Quranic verses emphasizing the importance of contemplating Allah's control and seeking solace in His wisdom.
Establishing a routine for reciting "Al-Qabid" in one's daily life becomes a source of spiritual connection and a means to internalize the profound attribute of divine control. The preferable times for invoking this name include morning and evening remembrances, moments of solitude and reflection, and specific occasions where believers seek guidance and restraint in their affairs.
Incorporating "Al-Qabid" into daily conversations becomes a means of infusing spiritual awareness into the fabric of daily life. Acts of kindness and compassion guided by the recognition of Allah's control become a tangible expression of living in accordance with the divine attributes encapsulated in this name.
In essence, "Al-Qabid" permeates every facet of a believer's existence, offering a profound lens through which to view the world. It is an invitation to connect with Allah's divine attributes, seeking guidance, wisdom, and solace in recognizing His ultimate control over all things. Naming children after this attribute becomes a symbolic act of cultivating virtues and seeking blessings for the future, affirming a spiritual legacy rooted in the divine wisdom encapsulated in the name "Al-Qabid."
The name "Al-Qabid," meaning "The Constrictor" or "The Withholder," reflects Allah's divine attribute of control and regulation. Several related names of Allah capture similar aspects of authority and restraint. "Al-Mudhill" emphasizes Allah's power to be humble or lower, indicating His control over worldly affairs. "Al-Qahhar" portrays Allah as the Subduer, underscoring His dominance over all creation.
“Al-Hakam” highlights His role as the Judge, exercising perfect judgment and control. While these names may not mirror "Al-Qabid" precisely, they collectively portray Allah's absolute authority and wisdom in governing the universe. Each name enriches our understanding of His control, restraint, and guidance, offering a multifaceted view of the divine attributes encapsulated in "Al-Qabid."
While the name "Al-Qabid," specifically, is not found in the Quran and the Hadith, the verses and Hadith provide the impression that Allah holds the exclusive power to restrain and regulate, which is in line with the meaning of "Al-Qabid."
A lot of hadiths address the control and indulgence of Allah. One well-known Hadith is narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"If you ask, ask Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they will harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry."
This Hadith underscores Allah's ultimate control and decree over everything, reaffirming the concept of "Al-Qabid." While the specific name might not be mentioned verbatim, this Hadith conveys the essence of Allah's control and restraint, aligning with the meaning of "Al-Qabid" in regulating the affairs of His creation.