It necessitates the state of qabḍ (constriction), but since the state of qabḍ is not complete and perfect, the sālik (spiritual traveler) in this situation may also occupy himself with certain things outside of qabḍ. Some sāliks who are in the state of qabḍ, however, cannot concern themselves with any vārid (spiritual influx) other than the vārid that caused them to enter the state of qabḍ. For this reason, the sālik is in a state (ḥāl) of being completely absorbed by the vārid that comes to him. (Qushayrī, 35)
Qabḍ (constriction) and basṭ (expansion) are two states that remove obligation from the servant. Their occurrence is not acquired (kasbī), nor do they depart through struggle. Allah constricts (qabḍ), Allah expands (basṭ). Thus, qabḍ is the constriction of hearts in the state of ḥijāb (veil), and basṭ is the expansion of hearts in the state of kashf (unveiling). Both come from the Real (al-Ḥaqq) without the servant's obligation or effort (gayret). The qabḍ of the ʿārifūn (gnostics) resembles the state of khawf (fear) of the murīdūn (aspirants), and the basṭ of the ʿārifūn resembles the state of rajāʾ (hope) of the murīdūn. This is according to the group that ascribes these meanings to qabḍ and basṭ.
For two reasons, according to some shaykhs, the degree of qabḍ is higher than that of basṭ. First, in the Book (the Qur'an), qabḍ is mentioned before basṭ. Second, in qabḍ there is a melting away and annihilation, while in basṭ there is a state of coquetry and grace. Undoubtedly, the melting away of human nature and the annihilation of the nafs (the lower self) is better than its being preserved, for the nafs is the greatest veil. (Hujwīrī, 454)
Allah, Exalted is He, has said: Then We drew in towards Us that shadow which had been spread out. (cf. al-Furqān 25:46) In this context, the qabḍ mentioned refers to an allusion (ishāra) to the maqām (spiritual station) of zanāʾin, which is among the maqāms that Allah has set apart for Himself from among the rijālullāh (men of God) or ahlullāh (people of God). These are three groups: One group Allah has completely drawn to Himself with the qabḍ of caution, hiding them from the eyes of the worlds. Another group ...