Alternative Spelling:
Al-Qayyum / Al-Qayyoom / Al-Qayyūm / Al-Qayum / Al-Qaiyum
Meaning of Al-Qayyoom
- Absolute independence - Allah stands by Himself, needing none, while all beings stand in need of Him.
- Continuous sustaining - Every moment of existence, order, and provision is upheld solely by His will and command.
- Perfect governance - He administers and regulates creation without fatigue, forgetfulness, or deficiency.
- Upholder of laws and outcomes - He establishes universal patterns and moral law, and He brings about their consequences.
- Paired with Al-Hayy - Frequently joined with Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living), emphasizing living permanence with sustaining power.
- Call to servitude - Knowing Al-Qayyoom nurtures reliance, steadfast worship, and trust that all affairs are under His care.
Examples of Al-Qayyoom
- When feeling overwhelmed, call upon Al-Qayyoom for stability and order, trusting that He sustains every affair.
- Establish prayer on time and maintain a consistent worship routine, reflecting His attribute of sustaining constancy.
- Fulfill responsibilities at home and work with reliability, mirroring a servant’s aspiration to uphold and maintain good.
- Offer help to those in need of support, recognizing that true sustaining power belongs to Allah, while you serve as a means.
- In planning and decision-making, rely on Allah’s ongoing governance, asking Him to set your affairs aright.
- Protect and maintain the environment and public trusts, embodying stewardship under the Lord who upholds all.
Root of Al-Qayyoom
- Derived from the triliteral Arabic root qāf - yā - mīm (ق - ي - م), conveying the meanings of to stand, to establish, to sustain, to maintain.
- Qāma / yaqūmu / qiyām - to stand, to arise; hence qiyām al-layl (standing in night prayer).
- Aqāma - to establish; e.g., aqīmū ṣ-ṣalāh (establish the prayer).
- Qayyim - upright, correct, or custodian/maintainer; as in al-dīn al-qayyim (the upright religion).
- Qayyūm - intensive form (pattern fa‘‘ūl) meaning the One who perpetually sustains and upholds all things.
- Related forms include qawwām (a devoted maintainer/steadfast upholder) underscoring constancy and responsibility.
Duahs using Al-Qayyoom
"O Al-Qayyoom, by Your mercy I seek relief; rectify all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself for the blink of an eye." - "يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ، أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ"
"O Al-Qayyoom, establish my heart upon Your obedience and make me steadfast in Your remembrance." - "اللَّهُمَّ يَا قَيُّومُ، أَقِمْ قَلْبِي عَلَى طَاعَتِكَ وَاجْعَلْنِي ثَابِتًا عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ"
"O Al-Qayyoom, sustain my family with faith, provision, and well-being, and make our affairs upright." - "يَا قَيُّومُ، قَيِّمْ أُمُورَ أَهْلِي بِالْإِيمَانِ وَالرِّزْقِ وَالصِّحَّةِ، وَأَصْلِحْ لَنَا شَأْنَنَا كُلَّهُ"
Mentions of Al-Qayyoom in Qur'an & Hadith
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence..." Al-Baqarah
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer." Āl ‘Imrān
"And [all] faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Sustainer..." Tā Hā
“The Prophet would supplicate: ‘O Ever-Living, 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.’”
Reflections & Lessons from Al-Qayyoom
- Total dependence - Everything depends on Allah at every moment, nurturing humility and gratitude.
- Steadfastness - Seek consistency in worship and character, as He continuously sustains creation.
- Trust in uncertainty - In changing times, rely on the One whose sustaining care never changes.
- Responsible maintenance - Be a maintainer of good in your family, community, and work.
- Hope and resilience - Even when systems fail, Al-Qayyoom remains, bringing order from chaos.
Virtues Linked to Al-Qayyoom
- Calling upon Al-Qayyoom in hardship is reported from the Sunnah and cultivates reliance, calm, and clarity.
- Reflecting on this Name deepens tawakkul and consistency in worship, especially in establishing prayer.
- Reciting Āyat al-Kursī (which contains Al-Qayyoom) is widely practiced for protection and remembrance, as supported by authentic narrations regarding its virtue.
- Regular remembrance with “Yā Ḥayyū Yā Qayyūm” nourishes the heart’s steadiness and reminds one of Allah’s ongoing care.
FAQs: Al-Qayyoom
How is Al-Qayyoom different from Al-Qayyim?
Al-Qayyoom is the intensive form indicating the One who perpetually sustains all things, whereas al-qayyim can mean upright, correct, or a maintainer/custodian. Both stem from the same root but differ in intensity and scope; Al-Qayyoom belongs uniquely to Allah.
Why is Al-Qayyoom often paired with Al-Hayy?
The pairing “Al-Ḥayy Al-Qayyūm” unites perfect, ever-lasting life with perfect, continuous sustenance and governance. It conveys that the Living One is the very One who upholds all existence.
Can I use Al-Qayyoom in my personal du‘ā?
Yes. Addressing Allah by this Name is recommended. The Prophet’s supplication includes “Yā Ḥayyū Yā Qayyūm,” and Muslims commonly invoke it seeking stability and the setting aright of their affairs.
What practical habits reflect belief in Al-Qayyoom?
Establishing prayer consistently, maintaining family duties, honoring trusts, and staying steadfast in worship and character all mirror a servant’s awareness that Allah upholds everything.
Does remembering Al-Qayyoom guarantee specific worldly outcomes?
Remembrance is a means of drawing near to Allah and seeking His aid. While it brings inner peace and may lead to blessings, specific outcomes are by Allah’s wisdom. We ask, strive, and trust in His sustaining care.
