Al-Qabid - The Withholder is the One who takes away souls, provision and whatever He pleases, and the Expander is the One who gives provision, mercy and whatever He wishes. He is also the One who stretches out His Hands so that the believers may repent and turn to Him. These two names are among those names of Allah which always come together, for absolute perfection is realised in their combination, and they cannot be used separately.

Occurrence: These names are not mentioned in the Holy Qur’an but rather in the Prophet’s Sunnah.

Evidence: The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah is the one Who fixes prices and who withholds and gives abundantly.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhee and Abu Daawood)