Al-Māniʿ (المانع) - The Withholder
Definition
Al-Māniʿ (المانع), translated as “The Withholder,” is one of the ninety-nine names (Asma’ul Husna) of Allah in Islamic tradition. This attribute signifies God’s power to withhold or prevent harm, blessings, or anything else as He wills.
Etymology
The term Al-Māniʿ is derived from the Arabic root منع (mana’a), which means “to prevent,” “to hinder,” or “to withhold.”
- Arabic: المانع
- Turkish: Men’i
Occurrence
While the name Al-Māniʿ does not explicitly appear in the Qurʾān, it is mentioned in the Ḥadīth and recognized by Islamic scholars as one of the ninety-nine beautiful names of Allah, which are considered attributes of divine perfection.
Theological Significance
Al-Māniʿ signifies God’s absolute authority in determining what is withheld from creation. This concept is closely tied to the belief in God’s wisdom and justice, as His withholding ultimately aligns with divine wisdom, even if its reasons are not always apparent to human understanding.
Qur’anic Context
Although the specific name Al-Māniʿ is not found in the Qurʾān, the concept is echoed in several verses where Allah’s power to withhold and give is emphasized:
- Surah Al-Mulk (67:16): “Do you feel secure that He who is in heaven will not cause the earth to swallow you up when it quakes?”
- Surah Ash-Shura (42:5): “The skies are almost rent asunder from above them, and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth.”
Cultural and Ethical Considerations
Understanding Al-Māniʿ can deepen a believer’s faith by fostering trust in Allah’s wisdom, especially during times of trial or deprivation. Recognizing that God, in His infinite wisdom, may withhold certain things can lead to greater patience and gratitude.
Further Studies
To explore more about Al-Māniʿ and other names of Allah, the following texts are recommended:
- “Al-Maqṣad al-Asnā fi Sharh Asma’ Allah al-Husna” by Imam Al-Ghazali
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Ghazzālī
- “The Name and the Named: The Divine Attributes of God” by Tosun Bayrak
Takeaways and Conclusion
The name Al-Māniʿ emphasizes the aspect of divine withholding as a part of God’s comprehensive care and wisdom. Believers are encouraged to trust in Allah’s judgment and to find peace in His perfect decrees.
Understanding and reflecting upon Al-Māniʿ helps Muslims to cultivate acceptance, patience, and a deeper connection to the divine wisdom that governs the universe.
This dictionary entry offers a comprehensive look at the name Al-Māniʿ and its significance in the Islamic faith, suitable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Allah’s attributes.
