Alternative Spelling:
Al-Hayy / Al-Hay / Al-Haiy / Al-Ḥayy / Al-Hayyu
Meaning of Al-Hayy
- Absolute, eternal life - Allah’s life is necessary and everlasting, not preceded by non-existence nor followed by cessation.
- Unfailing perfection - His life is free of sleep, death, decay, and all limitations that affect created life.
- Creator versus creation - Our life is derived, contingent, and sustained, whereas His life is intrinsic and perfect.
- Often paired with Al-Qayyum - In the Qur’an, Al-Hayy frequently appears with Al-Qayyum, pointing to the One who both lives perfectly and sustains all existence.
- Spiritual vitality - Recognizing Al-Hayy motivates us to seek a “living heart,” revived by remembrance, repentance, and trust.
- Anchor for reliance - In uncertainty and fear, turning to the Ever-Living nurtures calm, hope, and steadfastness.
Examples of Al-Hayy
- Begin the day by reciting Ayat al-Kursi, reflecting on "Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum" to renew trust and presence with Allah.
- When facing loss or illness, repeat "Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum" to anchor your heart in the One whose life never ends and who sustains all affairs.
- Before making important decisions, say a brief du‘a: "O Ever-Living, guide my steps and protect me from error."
- Revive spiritual routines (Qur’an, prayer, dhikr) as a practical way of seeking a “living heart” before Al-Hayy.
- Teach children that all created life is fragile, while Allah alone is the Ever-Living, nurturing awe and proper reliance.
Root of Al-Hayy
- Root letters - ḥā - yā - yā (ح - ي - ي), carrying meanings of life, to live, to give life, and to revive.
- Core derivatives - ḥayāt (life), aḥyā (He gave life), yuḥyī (He gives life), iḥyāʾ (revival), al-Muḥyī (The Giver of Life).
- Morphology - Al-Ḥayy follows the intensified pattern (with gemination), indicating permanence and completeness of life.
- Semantic field - The root also yields ḥayāʾ (modesty), hinting at a “living” and sensitive heart connected to Allah.
- Qur’anic usage - The Name appears independently and alongside Al-Qayyūm, affirming both eternal life and cosmic sustenance.
Duahs using Al-Hayy
"O Ever-Living (Al-Hayy), O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek relief; set right all my affairs and do not leave me to myself for the blink of an eye."
"يا حي يا قيوم، برحمتك أستغيث، أصلح لي شأني كله، ولا تكلني إلى نفسي طرفة عين"
"O Ever-Living (Al-Hayy), enliven my heart with Your remembrance and grant me a faith that does not die."
"يا حي، أحيِ قلبي بذكرك، وارزقني إيمانًا لا يموت"
"O Ever-Living (Al-Hayy), revive my soul after heedlessness and bring life to my deeds with sincerity."
"يا حي، أحيِ روحي بعد الغفلة، وأحيِ أعمالي بالإخلاص"
Mentions of Al-Hayy in Qur'an & Hadith
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence."
Surah Al-Baqarah
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer."
Surah Aal Imran
"And [all] faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence..."
Surah Ta-Ha
"And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die, and exalt [Allah] with His praise."
Surah Al-Furqan
Reflections & Lessons from Al-Hayy
- Resilience - Remembering the Ever-Living builds strength through trials and prevents despair.
- Sanctity of life - Valuing every life is part of honoring the One who bestows life.
- Continuous renewal - Hearts can be revived through repentance and remembrance, however far they have drifted.
- Steadfast tawakkul - Trust in the One who never dies brings calm beyond market cycles, politics, and personal uncertainties.
- Clarity of worship - Worship is directed to the Living Lord alone, not to fleeting worldly powers or passions.
- Hope beyond endings - Death is not defeat; the Ever-Living grants an afterlife and justice beyond this world.
Virtues Linked to Al-Hayy
- Frequent remembrance of Al-Hayy nurtures a “living heart” receptive to guidance and repentance.
- Calling upon "Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum" is a prophetic supplication reported in the Sunnah, often used in times of need and distress.
- Reciting verses containing Al-Hayy (such as Ayat al-Kursi) is a well-known practice that strengthens faith and reliance.
- Reflecting on Allah’s eternal life brings comfort during bereavement and inspires patience and hope.
- Internalizing this Name encourages sincerity and continuity in good deeds, seeking life for one’s faith, not just form.
FAQs: Al-Hayy
What is the difference between Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyum?
Al-Hayy affirms Allah’s perfect, eternal life. Al-Qayyum affirms that He sustains and manages all existence. Together they signify the One who lives perfectly and upholds everything at every moment.
Can the description “living” be used for creation while Al-Hayy is exclusive to Allah?
Yes. Created beings are “alive” (hayy) in a limited, dependent sense. But the Divine Name Al-Hayy is absolute and exclusive to Allah, whose life is uncreated and perfect.
How can I incorporate this Name into daily worship?
Begin and end the day with remembrance: repeat "Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum" with presence, recite Ayat al-Kursi thoughtfully, and ask Al-Hayy to enliven your heart with sincere faith and steadfast action.
Does Allah’s life resemble the life of His creation?
No. Allah’s life is unique, eternal, and incomparable. We affirm the attribute without imagining how, and we negate any likeness to created life.
Where does the Name appear in the Qur’an?
Al-Hayy appears in several places, notably in Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah), in Surah Aal Imran, Surah Ta-Ha, and Surah Al-Furqan, often alongside Al-Qayyum.
