الْحَيُّ
62. Al-Hayy
The Ever Living One
Meaning of Al-Hayy
The One who is eternally alive, whose life has no beginning or end. His life is perfect, self-sustaining, and the source of all other life. He never dies, sleeps, or becomes weak.
Benefits of Reciting Al-Hayy
- Provides a profound sense of stability and reliance, as we depend on a Lord who is never absent and whose power never fades.
- Reciting 'Ya Hayy, Ya Qayyum' is a highly recommended form of dhikr, especially in times of distress, as it was used by the Prophet (ﷺ).
- Cures the fear of being abandoned, knowing that while all of creation is temporary, Al-Hayy is eternal and ever-present.
Al-Hayy in the Quran
Mentioned 5 times in the Quran, most famously in Ayat al-Kursi: 'Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep.' (2:255).
How to Make Dua with 'Ya Hayy'
When calling upon Al-Hayy, we are connecting with the eternal source of all life. It is often paired with Al-Qayyum (The Self-Existing) to form 'the Greatest Name of Allah' (Ism al-A'zam).
In Times of Overwhelming Distress
"'Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astagheeth.' (O Ever-Living, O Self-Existing, by Your mercy I seek help.)"
For a Loved One Who is Ill
"'Ya Hayy, O Source of all life, please grant healing and vitality to [name]. Renew their life and strength.'"
For a Heart that Feels 'Dead'
"'Ya Hayy, give life to my heart with the light of Your guidance, just as You are the source of all life.'"
Frequently Asked Questions
It means His life is not dependent on anything. Humans and animals need food, water, and air to live. Allah, Al-Hayy, needs nothing. His life is a perfect, inherent attribute of His essence.
Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) describes His own perfect life. Al-Qayyum (The Self-Existing One Who Sustains All) describes how He sustains the life of everything else. The pairing shows the complete picture: He is perfectly alive in Himself (Al-Hayy) and He is the one who upholds all other existence (Al-Qayyum).
It reminds us that while our loved one's worldly life has ended, we belong to the One who is Ever-Living and never dies. Our ultimate return is to Him. It provides a sense of eternal stability in the face of temporary loss.
Quick Quiz
Question 1: The name Al-Hayy means that Allah's life:
Question 2: In the famous dua for distress, 'Ya Hayyu...' is paired with which name?
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