Al-Qabid القابض (The Restrainer, The Constrictor)

This Name of Allah azawajal can be seen in the Qur’an:

‘Who is the one who would give Allah a good loan so that Allah multiplies it for him many times? Allah withholds and extends, and to Him you are to be returned. ’ [2:245]

Al-Qabid is specifically translated here as Allah ‘witholding’. Looking into the tafseer of the Ayah, the first part of the loan mentions a metaphor. For example, when you spend for the sake of Allah azawajal. But you know that everything belongs to Allah azawajal. The fact that you give in Allah’s cause can mean that what you have given can increase or can decrease. But you must know that Allah azawajal can give you the ultimate prize of Jannat-al-firdous.

The root word involving Qaf-Ba-Daad can apply to more means which are:

To take with hand by actual touch/feel

To close

To grasp

To clutch

To seize

To contract/draw/collect together

To take possession

To contract the heart

This can be in reference to birds to contract their wings and take quick flight. There is also reference to life and death, light and darkness and abundance of rain which Allah provides to the earth.

In what language can you find translation and meaning that can all be applied which makes sense? The beauty of the language of the Qur’an alone is Allah’s miracles. All these translations can be applied and we can understand Allah azawajal more than ever.

Who better can give other than Allah?

Who better is a reply on giving and withholding when you’re in need of it more other than Allah?

It is truly none other than Allah azawajal

Personally, I know personally people are going through things in their live.

i.                     A broken heart. Allah holds your heart in His azawajal Hands. If you leave Him in your heart then anything in the world can be taken from you but your heart can never be broken again. Your belongs to Allah my beloved Ukhti and with Allah watching over it, I am sure that Allah will make your heart whole again.

ii.                    All the hardships at once.  My dear Ukhti, you may be going through so much at once right this minute but know that Allah will never put so much strain in your heart that you cannot bear. Trust in Allah, for Allah is always mending our hearts and healing our hearts through the constrictions. Allah has the ability to protect you from falling into the traps of the dunya. Allah provides you confidence that His azawajal Mercy is greater so don’t despair for Allah controls everything. Wouldn’t you want the Best of Planners to oversee all your affairs? So seek Al-Qabid

iii.                  Only wanted this one thing in this dunya. My dear beloved uhkti, Allah is Al-Qabid and He azawajal has truely withheld but the reason may be to protect you, the reason could be something better come along or it can mean your path into Jannat al fridous for your patience and diligence on the path of Allah azawajal. If you continue down this road, Allah azawajal will direct you to where you are supposed to be and what He azawajal has planned for you. So don’t give up, keep seeking and try all things. Because Allah is the Ever-Watchful and guiding you this very minute for your success in this world and hereafter. Be content with Allah’s decision and you shall have the richest heart in the world that has Allah as the only occupant of your heart,

Practical applications

a.       Give to charity for Allah provides you means and wealth.

b.       This name can be extended to Allah is protecting you from withholding something from you that may be wrong so seek Allah’s protection so trust in Allah azawajal

c.        Become a person who helps others to unconstraint their hearts. Remind them of Allah azawajal and show that Allah is already providing for them and that there is always a reward from having something withheld from them and for feeling the constriction in the heart.

There is much more to this name of Allah azawajal so keep researching, keep seeking and learn cradle to the grave. Aim to become beloved to Allah azawajal because it is Him azawajal that we shall return to.

Reference:

1.        http://wahiduddin.net/words/99_pages/qabid_20.htm

2.        http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/understanding-islam/belief/allah/449808-al-qabid-al-bassit-the-withholder-the-extender.html

3.        http://www.suhaibwebb.com/relationships/withthedivine/al-qaabid-al-baasit/

(image created by Art Malik, app can be downloaded)