Names of Allah
Name #49 of 99

ٱلْحَيُّ

Al-Hayy

“The Ever-Living”

Quranic Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255

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The One Who Never Dies

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Scholarly Explanation

The one who has perfect power, existing in and of Himself and not dependant upon anyone else. The sustainer of the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, the one who regulates their affairs and provisions. The name al-Hayy includes all of the Attributes of His Self and the name al-Qayyum includes all the Attributes of His Actions.

“Allah! There is no deity worthy of worship but Him, al-Hayy, al-Qayyum.”

[Ali 'Imran (3): 2]

“All faces shall be humbled before [Allah], al-Hayy, al-Qayyum. And the one who carried the burden of wrong-doing shall be in complete loss!”

[Ta Ha (20): 111]

From “Explanation to the Beautiful and Perfect Names of Allah” — Shaykh as-Sa’di (d.1376H)

Reflect on This Name

“Everyone you love will die—except Al-Hayy. Does that change your priorities?”
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Prophetic Traditions

إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَيِيٌّ كَرِيمٌ يَسْتَحْيِي إِذَا رَفَعَ الرَّجُلُ إِلَيْهِ يَدَيْهِ أَنْ يَرُدَّهُمَا صِفْرًا خَائِبَتَيْنِ

“Indeed, Allah is Generous and Kind. He is too generous to let His servant raise his hands to Him and return them empty and disappointed.”

Al-Hayy is ever-living and ever-present to respond to His servants' supplications—He never sleeps, never dies, and never neglects.

Salman al-Farisi رضي الله عنه·Sunan Abu Dawud 1488
Sahih

Scholarly Insights

Al-Hayy is the foundation of all the names of Allah. All His attributes stem from His perfect, eternal life. His hearing, seeing, knowledge, power, and mercy all flow from being Al-Hayy.

Ibn al-QayyimBadaai' al-Fawaid

Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyum are the two greatest names of Allah. Some scholars consider them to be Ism Allah al-A'dham (the Greatest Name). All other names revolve around them.

Ibn TaymiyyahMajmu' al-Fatawa

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The One Who Never Dies

Continue your journey with an immersive interactive narrative, complete with Quranic recitation, animations, and guided reflection.

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Supplication

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ

Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyumu bi-rahmatika astaghith

“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer of all existence, I seek help through Your mercy.”

Sunan at-Tirmidhi 3524 — graded HasanAl-Hayy never sleeps, never tires — His watchful mercy is constant over you.

Living With Al-Hayy

  • 1

    When all doors close, call upon Al-Hayy—He is always alive, always listening, always able to respond.

  • 2

    Place your ultimate reliance on the Ever-Living, not on mortal beings who will pass away.

  • 3

    Revive your heart through connection with Al-Hayy—spiritual life comes from nearness to Him.

  • 4

    Recite 'Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astaghith' when in distress.

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