الْقَابِضُ
20. Al-Qabid
The Constrictor
Meaning of Al-Qabid
The One who withholds and constricts sustenance, souls, and other things according to His wisdom. This is not out of cruelty but as part of His perfect plan, testing, or as a consequence of actions.
Benefits of Reciting Al-Qabid
- During times of financial hardship or emotional distress, reflecting on Al-Qabid helps build profound patience and trust in Allah's divine plan.
- It helps a person overcome greed and attachment to worldly things, as they realize that anything can be constricted or withheld at any moment.
- Reciting 'Ya Qabid' can be a way of asking Allah to constrict the influence of one's enemies or the power of one's own ego.
Al-Qabid in the Quran
Not directly mentioned in the Quran, but the concept appears in verses like 'Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]' (13:26). The name is derived from Hadith.
How to Make Dua with 'Ya Qabid'
Calling upon Al-Qabid is a delicate act that requires deep trust in His wisdom. It is often done in conjunction with its opposite, Al-Basit (The Expander), to seek balance and relief. This shows understanding of the completeness of His power.
During a Time of Hardship or Sadness
"'Ya Qabid, Ya Basit. O Constrictor, O Expander. My heart feels constricted and heavy. Please expand it with Your light and grant me relief from this difficulty.'"
To Control Harmful Impulses or Desires
"'Ya Qabid, please constrict the path of my evil desires and withhold from my heart the love for this sin. Seize my ego so it cannot lead me astray.'"
For Protection from an Enemy
"'Ya Qabid, seize the power and planning of my enemy. Constrict their ability to cause me or anyone else harm.'"
Frequently Asked Questions
Constriction from Allah is a form of hidden mercy. A parent might withhold candy from a child out of love for their health. Similarly, Allah might withhold something from us to protect us from a greater harm we cannot see, to test our faith and elevate our rank, or to make us turn to Him with greater sincerity.
They are complementary names that should be understood together. They represent the divine balance in the universe. Allah constricts and expands, withholds and gives, all according to His perfect wisdom. Experiencing both constriction and expansion is part of the test of life and a means of spiritual growth.
In Islamic spirituality, a state of 'qabd' (constriction) is when the heart feels heavy or distant. It is seen as a test from Al-Qabid to make you turn to Him. The cure is patience, continued worship even when it feels difficult, and making dua to Al-Basit to expand your heart again.
Quick Quiz
Question 1: When Allah constricts, it is always based on:
Question 2: The opposite and complementary name to Al-Qabid is:
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