Al-Qaabidh and Al-Baasit

Qaabidh is derived from Qabadha and Baasit is derived from Basata. Qabadha means to tighten/restrict/withhold and Basata means to loosen, spread or expand. 

Allah Ta'ala manifests in the life of an individual as Al-Qaabidh and Al-Baasit by putting him in difficulties at times and by granting him ease at other time. He is named Al-Qaabidh in relation to putting in difficult situations and Al-Baasit in relation to facilitating and relieving people from problems. Wealth and poverty come from Allah Ta'ala. Some remain obedient when they are in poverty while others follow Deen only when they are in prosperity. The opposite also is true. That is, some people are deviated when they get money just as some commit misdeeds when they are in need. It is solely Allah Ta'ala who knows what is good for whom. Thus, whatever He decides, will be better for a person. Allah Ta'ala does not lack anything in His treasure. He possesses everything but He offers each one according to his necessity and a quantity that is good for him.

"And there is nothing whose treasures We do not have by Us but we only send them down from time to time in fixed quantities." (S15 / V21)

Lack of rain is called drought and too much of rain leads to flooding. Neither drought nor flood is good. We need an amount of rain that is beneficial and does not cause harm. It is Allah Ta'ala alone who knows this amount. Thus, it is He who gives whatever should be given, in quantity and quality to the one who should be given and at the appropriate moment.

"...And certainly it is Allah who expands and restricts / extends and withhold provision for the one who He wills among His servants..." (S28 / V82)

[English version of "Al-Qaabidh et Al-Baasit" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.6]