Al-Qabid الْقَابِضُ
Transliteration: Al-Qaabid
Meaning: The Withholder, The Constrictor
معنی: روکنے والا، تنگ کرنے والا
Arabic Root: ق-ب-ض (Qabada) — to seize, to withhold, to constrict
Al-Qabid is the One who withholds, constricts, and restricts — provision, mercy, life, or circumstances — according to His perfect wisdom. His withholding is never arbitrary or cruel; it is always purposeful, merciful, and wise. He constricts the soul of the dying person, taking it gently or firmly. He withholds provision from some and expands it for others — all according to a divine plan that knows what is truly best. Al-Qabid is always paired with Al-Basit (The Expander) in Islamic tradition — they are two aspects of the same divine management of creation. The Quran mentions both in one verse: 'Allah withholds (yaqbid) and expands (yabsut)' (2:245).
Complete Meaning of Al-Qabid
Al-Qabid is the One who withholds, constricts, and restricts — provision, mercy, life, or circumstances — according to His perfect wisdom. His withholding is never arbitrary or cruel; it is always purposeful, merciful, and wise. He constricts the soul of the dying person, taking it gently or firmly. He withholds provision from some and expands it for others — all according to a divine plan that knows what is truly best. Al-Qabid is always paired with Al-Basit (The Expander) in Islamic tradition — they are two aspects of the same divine management of creation. The Quran mentions both in one verse: 'Allah withholds (yaqbid) and expands (yabsut)' (2:245).
Benefits of Al-Qabid
- 1.Reflecting on Al-Qabid brings patience during times of difficulty and constriction
- 2.It removes bitterness about what has been withheld — the Withholder withholds with wisdom
- 3.Meditating on this name during financial hardship reframes it as divine wisdom, not abandonment
- 4.It teaches that sometimes constriction is mercy — protected from things that would harm us
- 5.Combined with Al-Basit, it shows life moves in cycles of constriction and expansion under divine management
How to Do Dhikr of Al-Qabid
Recite 'Ya Qabid, Ya Basit' (يَا قَابِض يَا بَاسِط) together — they are always paired. During times of constriction say: 'Ya Qabid, inna al-faraja ba'da al-shidda' — O Withholder, indeed relief comes after hardship.
How to Use Al-Qabid in Dua
When facing constriction: 'Ya Qabid, Ya Basit — ibsut 'alayya min fadlik wa awsi' rizqi' — O Withholder, O Expander — expand upon me from Your grace and widen my provision. For acceptance of what is withheld: 'Radeetu billahi rabba, wa bil Islami dinan, wa bi Muhammadin nabiyya' — the dua of contentment.
Spiritual Lesson from Al-Qabid
Al-Qabid teaches divine wisdom in difficulty. The seed is constricted beneath the soil before it grows into a tree. The butterfly is constricted in the chrysalis before it flies. Every constriction in your life is Al-Qabid preparing you for an expansion you cannot yet see. Trust the Withholder — He never withholds except to give something better.
Al-Qabid in the Quran
وَاللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
"And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned."
Prophetic Tradition
"Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise."
Al-Qabid is name number 20 of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah. Understanding and reflecting on its meaning — The Withholder, The Constrictor — is a means of drawing closer to Allah and entering Paradise through the promise of the Prophet ﷺ.
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Qabid
Q1.What does Al-Qabid mean?
Al-Qabid means 'The Withholder, The Constrictor' — Allah withholds provision, life, or circumstances according to His perfect wisdom. His constriction is never random but always purposeful and ultimately merciful.
Q2.Why is Al-Qabid always mentioned with Al-Basit?
Al-Qabid (The Withholder) and Al-Basit (The Expander) are complementary — together they describe Allah's complete management of provision and circumstances. The Quran mentions both in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245).
Q3.How does Al-Qabid apply to death?
Al-Qabid refers to Allah's taking of souls at the appointed time — He constricts the soul from the body. The Angel of Death acts as an agent of Al-Qabid. This is why the dua during difficulty and death invoke this name.
Name Information
Related Names
Understanding Al-Qabid — A Complete Islamic Guide
Al-Qabid (الْقَابِضُ) is one of the names included in the traditional list of the 99 Names of Allah, commonly known as Asma ul Husna. Its English meaning is The Withholder, The Constrictor. In Urdu, it is explained as روکنے والا، تنگ کرنے والا. This page explores its meaning and its place within the Power & Majesty theme.
Arabic Root: ق-ب-ض (Qabada) — to seize, to withhold, to constrict
Verified Quran occurrence count: 1
Understanding the Power & Majesty Theme
The category shown here is an editorial theme used to organize the names for easier study. Explore how Al-Qabid relates to this theme through its meaning, relevant Quranic passages, and explanations supported by reliable sources.
Other Power & Majesty Names:
Al-Malik
الْمَلِكُ
The King and Owner of All
Al-Aziz
الْعَزِيزُ
The Almighty, The Invincible, The Most Honored
Al-Jabbar
الْجَبَّارُ
The Compeller, The Restorer, The Repairer
Al-Mutakabbir
الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
The Supreme, The Possessor of Greatness
Al-Qahhar
الْقَهَّارُ
The All-Prevailing, The Subduer
Al-Khafid
الْخَافِضُ
The Abaser, The Humiliator of the Arrogant
Reflecting on Al-Qabid in Daily Life
Understand the Meaning
Study the meaning of Al-Qabid and consult reliable Islamic sources to understand its context and significance.
Use in Dua
The Quran teaches believers to call upon Allah by His Beautiful Names (Quran 7:180). Consider the meaning of this name when making a supplication appropriate to its meaning.
Reflect on Its Meaning
Reflect on what this name teaches about Allah. Distinguish personal reflection from a specific religious practice or promised outcome that would require separate evidence.
Continue Learning the 99 Names of Allah
Explore More Islamic Names
"And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them." — Quran (7:180)