🛡️ Understanding AL-MĀNIʿ (المانع‎): The Withholder in Islam

Definition:

AL-MĀNIʿ (المانع‎): The Withholder. One of the ninety-nine names or attributes of Allah in Islam, indicating His power to prevent, withhold, or deny anything from anyone, thereby controlling every aspect of creation.

Etymology:

Derived from the Arabic verb “m-n-ʿ,” meaning “to prevent,” “to deter,” or “to restrain.”

Background:

Within the framework of Islamic theology, AL-MĀNIʿ encapsulates God’s ability to withhold sustenance, guidance, or mercy upon His will. It asserts Allah’s sovereign control over the universe and highlights His role not only as the Giver but also as the Withholder.

Though AL-MĀNIʿ does not occur in the Qurʾān, it is listed among the beautiful names of Allah in the collections of Ḥadīs̤, specifically in the hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah. This emphasizes its canonical acceptance and its spiritual significance among Muslims.

Cultural Differences and Similarities:

Cultural Nuances:

• Islamic Culture: In Islamic prayers and supplications, invoking AL-MĀNIʿ is performed to seek protection and prevention from harm and misguidance. It fosters a sense of humility and submission to Allah’s divine will among believers.
• Comparative Religions: Comparatively, similar concepts can be found in other monotheistic traditions where God’s restraining power is acknowledged. In Christianity, for example, God’s sovereignty includes His power to allow or prevent certain events.

Similarities Worldwide:

• Across different Islamic sects, AL-MĀNIʿ is consistently revered as a testament to Allah’s comprehensive authority.
• In Ṣūfīsm, the name is deeply meditative, focusing on the balance of giving and withholding as per divine wisdom.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Al-Qādir (The Omnipotent), Al-Muḍill (The Misleader)
• Antonyms: Ar-Razzāq (The Provider), Al-Wahhāb (The Bestower)

Related Terms:

• Ṣabr (Patience): The human cultivation of patience is often a response to God’s withholding, encouraging surrender to His plan.
• Tawakkul (Trust in God): Entrusting one’s matters to Allah, understanding that what He withholds is also out of mercy and justice.
• Qadar (Divine Decree): The broader concept of predestination, within which Al-Māniʿ operates as a particular aspect.

Exciting Facts:

• Originally compiled by al-Tirmidhi in his Ḥadīs̤ collections, the 99 names have been a subject of profound reflection in Islamic scholarship.
• Ṣūfīs often invoke various names of God, including AL-MĀNIʿ, during their dhikr (devotional practices) to internally align with the divine attributes.
• Practically, AL-MĀNIʿ has been wielded by scholars to explain natural calamities and personal adversities as a meaningful prevention for greater good or imminent harm.

Quotations:

“When Allah withholds from you, it is only to prepare you to better receive His gifts.” – Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani

“Do not despair over what God withholds; rather see it as His benevolence and care, saving you from unseen harms.” – Jalaluddin Rumi

Suggested Literature:

Books:

1. “The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah” by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti
2. “The Ninety-Nine Names of God: An Introduction to Islamic Theology” by John Renard
3. “Sufism and the Names of God” by Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi

Articles:

• “Allah’s Names and Attributes: A Theological Inquiry” in the Journal of Islamic Studies

Other Sources:

• Listen to reflective Ṣūfī music invoking the names of Allah.
• Visit a Ṣūfī lodge to experience the spiritual practice of dhikr.