Al-Qabid – The Withholder, the Constrictor

Meaning of Al-Qabid

Al-Qabid is the One who withholds, restricts or takes back according to His wisdom. He may constrict provision, close a heart's ease for a time, or take souls at death. The Quran says that Allah withholds and extends, using the verbs from which this name and Al-Basit are derived.

Many scholars point out that this name is best mentioned together with its complementary name, so that the meaning is understood as part of Allah's perfect wisdom rather than in isolation.

Paired name: Al-Qabid is often mentioned together with Al-Basit (The Extender).

Al-Qabid in the Quran

The exact form Al-Qabid is not used in the Quran, but its meaning is affirmed through a related word from the same root:

Reflection

Times of hardship and restriction are also under Allah's wise control, and they pass by His will.

Related names: provision and generosity

• الْوَهَّابُAl-WahhabThe Bestower, the Giver of gifts
• الرَّزَّاقُAr-RazzaqThe Provider, the Sustainer
• الشَّكُورُAsh-ShakurThe Most Appreciative
• الْمُقِيتُAl-MuqitThe Nourisher, the Sustainer
• الْكَرِيمُAl-KarimThe Most Generous, the Most Noble
• الْوَاسِعُAl-Wasi'The All-Encompassing, the Boundless