الْقَابِضُ – AL-QAABID – The Withholder
“Al-Qaabid” (الْقَابِضُ) is one of the attributes or names of Allah (God) in Islamic tradition. It is often translated as “The Withholder” or “The Restrainer” in English. This attribute is derived from the root Arabic word “قبض” (qabd), which means to hold back, withhold, or contract.
In the context of the attributes of Allah, “Al-Qaabid” signifies God’s power and authority to withhold or restrict certain things as well as His control over creation. It emphasizes the idea that Allah has the ability to contract or limit various aspects of existence as He wills. This contraction or withholding can pertain to physical, spiritual, or even metaphorical dimensions of existence.
For example, Allah can withhold rain or sustenance, restrict the growth of certain things, or limit the expansion of events or situations. It also implies that Allah has the power to hold back certain blessings or favors from individuals or communities as a form of divine wisdom and test. This withholding is not to be understood as a sign of neglect or cruelty, but rather as a manifestation of Allah’s divine plan and wisdom.
It’s important to note that in Islamic theology, the attributes of Allah are understood as profound concepts that reflect the nature and qualities of the divine. Each attribute provides a glimpse into the infinite and majestic nature of God. “Al-Qaabid” is just one of the many attributes used to describe Allah in the Islamic tradition, and it’s often mentioned alongside other attributes that highlight different aspects of His nature, such as “Ar-Razzaq” (The Provider) and “Al-Baasit” (The Expander).
Ultimately, these attributes are meant to inspire awe, humility, and devotion in the hearts of believers, reminding them of the all-encompassing power and wisdom of their Creator.