Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Qaabid
The Witholder. The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdom and expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy,
Allah is Al-Qabid meaning whatever He wills comes to be. He is the one who enriches and makes poor. Al-Qabid decides to withhold something or to make it scarce. He is the taker of all souls at the time of death, and He stretches His hand out to the believers so they may turn to him and repent. He is the one who constricts sustenance, our lives, and our hearts. The opposite, Al-Basit is the one who expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
(مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًۭا كَثِيرَةًۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ)
(Who will lend to Allah a good loan which Allah will multiply many times over? It is Allah ˹alone˺ who decreases and increases ˹wealth˺. And to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned.) Al-Baqara 2: 245
(ٱللَّهُ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُۚ وَفَرِحُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَٰعٞ)
It is mentioned 0 times in the Holy Quran, but it was mentioned in the Hadith
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الْحَجَّاجُ بْنُ مِنْهَالٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، وَثَابِتٍ، وَحُمَيْدٍ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، قَالَ غَلاَ السِّعْرُ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ سَعِّرْ لَنَا . فَقَالَ ” إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمُسَعِّرُ الْقَابِضُ الْبَاسِطُ الرَّزَّاقُ وَإِنِّي لأَرْجُو أَنْ أَلْقَى رَبِّي وَلَيْسَ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ يَطْلُبُنِي بِمَظْلَمَةٍ فِي دَمٍ وَلاَ مَالٍ ” . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ .
Narrated Anas:
“Prices became excessive during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), so they said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Set prices for us!’ So he said: ‘Indeed Allah is Al-Musa’ir, Al-Qabid, Al-Basir, Ar-Razzaq. And I am hopeful that I meet my Lord and none of you are seeking (recompense from) me for an injustice involving blood or wealth.'”
“Had Allah given abundant provisions to ˹all˺ His servants, they would have certainly transgressed throughout the land. But He sends down whatever He wills in perfect measure. He is truly All-Aware, All-Seeing of His servants..” Ash-shuara 42:27
The Quranic verse beautifully illustrates the wisdom behind Allah’s distribution of provisions. While sustenance and blessings are undoubtedly good, an excess of them can lead to heedlessness, arrogance, and transgression. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is best for His servants, and He may withhold provisions based on His superior knowledge of what will benefit them in the long run.
The verse highlights the importance of moderation and gratitude in our approach to provisions. Allah provides for His servants in perfect measure, ensuring that they have what they need without being overwhelmed by excess. This balanced approach to sustenance helps prevent individuals from falling into the trap of materialism, greed, and sinful behavior.
Moreover, the verse emphasizes Allah’s omniscience and vigilance over His servants. He is fully aware of their needs, circumstances, and capabilities, and He provides for them accordingly. By sending down provisions in perfect measure, Allah demonstrates His care and concern for His creation, guiding them towards a path of righteousness and moderation.
Ultimately, the verse teaches us to trust in Allah’s wisdom and to be content with whatever provisions He bestows upon us. Whether our sustenance is abundant or limited, we should be grateful for Allah’s blessings and strive to use them in ways that please Him and benefit others.
It is difficult, but if we go through a period of constriction, we should find peace as Allah SWT knows best. We can always uncover some good in the bad. We are brought down to earth, and we are humbled.
[Abu ‘Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan Sahih.
Al-Qaabid: Navigating Economic Challenges with Faith
Understanding Allah as Al-Qaabid, “The Withholder,” helps believers navigate economic fluctuations and personal financial challenges with faith and patience. Recognizing that Allah controls economic prosperity and hardship teaches Muslims to remain steadfast and trust in Allah’s wisdom during times of financial constriction. This attribute encourages a balanced perspective on wealth, reminding believers that material abundance is not always conducive to spiritual or moral well-being. The Qur’an provides guidance on dealing with financial trials:
وَلَوْ بَسَطَ اللَّهُ الرِّزْقَ لِعِبَادِهِ لَبَغَوْ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن يُنَزِّلُ بِقَدَرٍ مَّا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّهُ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرٌ بَصِيرٌ
“Had Allah expanded the provision for His servants, they would have committed tyranny throughout the earth, but He sends down in measure whatever He wills. Indeed, He is concerning His servants, Acquainted and Seeing.” (Ash-Shura 42:27)
This verse underscores the wisdom behind Allah’s distribution of wealth and resources, promoting moderation and gratitude among His servants.
Al-Qaabid: Spiritual Growth through Material Limitations
Al-Qaabid not only pertains to material constriction but also represents moments of spiritual testing and growth. When Allah withholds certain worldly comforts or opportunities, it may serve as a catalyst for spiritual deepening and reliance on Him. These periods of hardship can enhance a believer’s resilience, patience, and trust in Allah’s plan. They are invited to reflect on their spiritual health and prioritize their relationship with Allah over worldly gains. The concept is further elaborated in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ
“Indeed, your Lord extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]; indeed He is ever, concerning His servants, Acquainted and Seeing.” (Al-Isra 17:30)
This verse highlights Allah’s intimate knowledge of each servant’s circumstances, guiding believers to trust in His judgment and timing.
Al-Qaabid: Encouraging Ethical Responsibility and Compassion
The recognition of Allah as Al-Qaabid encourages ethical responsibility and compassion among believers, particularly towards those who are economically disadvantaged. Understanding that wealth and resources are ultimately controlled by Allah motivates Muslims to use their blessings to help others, recognizing that these are not entirely of their own making but are gifts to be shared. It also instills a sense of community duty, where the more fortunate are reminded to aid those in need, reflecting the Prophetic tradition of caring for one’s neighbors and community members. The practice of zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) are concrete manifestations of this understanding:
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
“Maintain prayer and give zakat and obey the Messenger that you may receive mercy.” (An-Nur 24:56)
This directive not only reinforces the importance of structured giving in Islam but also highlights how financial generosity can be a means to attain divine mercy and blessings.