Al-Qaabid; The Withholder

One of the names of Allah is Al-Qaabid, which means "the Withholder". This name highlights Allah's power to restrict or withhold something, whether it be wealth, health, or any other blessing.

In the Quran, Allah is described as the One who "grants abundance to whom He wills, and restricts [it]. Indeed, He is Knowing of all things" (Quran 2: 245). This verse reminds us that Allah has complete control over everything and that He alone decides how much of a particular blessing to bestow upon us.

The name Al-Qaabid reminds us that Allah's restriction is not necessarily a punishment, but rather it can be a means of testing our faith and strengthening our character.

Allah says in the Quran:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient" (Quran 2:155).

This verse shows us that Allah may restrict something from us for a time, but it is ultimately for our benefit, and it is a test of our patience and faith. If we remain patient and trust Allah's plan, we can emerge stronger and more grateful for the blessings that we do have.

Moreover, the name Al-Qaabid also reminds us that Allah is not only the Withholder of blessings, but He is also the One who releases them.

Allah says in the Quran:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلْفُلْكَ تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِۦ وَيُمْسِكُ ٱلسَّمَآءَ أَن تَقَعَ عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦٓ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ

Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you1 whatever is in the earth as well as the ships (that) sail through the sea by His command? He keeps the sky from falling down on the earth except by His permission. Surely Allah is Ever Gracious and Most Merciful to humanity. (Quran 22:65).

This verse shows us that Allah is the One who maintains the order and balance of the universe, and He is constantly providing us with blessings, even if we do not always realize it.

In conclusion, the name Al-Qaabid is a reminder of Allah's power to restrict and withhold, as well as His mercy and kindness in providing us with blessings. We should strive to remain patient and grateful in times of hardship, and trust in Allah's plan for us.

Ultimately, it is through our trust in Allah and our perseverance in times of trial that we can grow and develop as individuals, and draw closer to our Creator.

Take care of yourselves.

F, signing off.