الْقَيُّومُ
63. Al-Qayyum
The Self-Existing One
Meaning of Al-Qayyum
The One who is self-existing and by whom all things subsist. He depends on nothing, while everything depends on Him for its existence and continuation. He sustains all of creation at every moment.
Benefits of Reciting Al-Qayyum
- Frees the heart from depending on created things (jobs, people, systems), redirecting all reliance to the One who sustains them all.
- Provides a deep sense of peace and security, knowing that the entire universe is being perfectly managed by Al-Qayyum.
- Reciting 'Ya Hayy, Ya Qayyum' is one of the most powerful ways to seek help, as you are calling upon the One who is alive and sustains everything.
Al-Qayyum in the Quran
Mentioned 3 times in the Quran, most famously paired with Al-Hayy in Ayat al-Kursi: '...the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence...' (2:255).
How to Make Dua with 'Ya Qayyum'
When calling upon Al-Qayyum, we acknowledge our complete dependence on Him for our very existence. It is a plea for sustenance and support from the One who upholds the heavens and the earth.
In Times of Great Need or Distress
"'Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astagheeth, aslih li sha'ni kullahu, wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata 'ayn.' (O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help. Rectify all my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye.)"
When Your Affairs Seem Chaotic
"'Ya Qayyum, You sustain the heavens and the earth. Please sustain me and bring order to my affairs.'"
For a Project or Family
"'Ya Qayyum, please sustain this project/my family and grant it stability and success by Your power.'"
Frequently Asked Questions
It means that if Allah were to cease being Al-Qayyum for even an instant, the entire universe—every planet, star, atom, and living being—would immediately cease to exist. Everything is completely dependent on Him to be upheld at every moment.
This perfect pairing shows two aspects of His perfection. He is perfectly alive in Himself (Al-Hayy) and He is the one who perfectly sustains all other existence (Al-Qayyum). You cannot sustain others unless you are perfectly alive yourself. This combination is considered by many scholars to be Allah's greatest name (Ism al-A'zam).
It is the ultimate proof against shirk. Since everything and everyone in creation is completely dependent on Al-Qayyum for its existence, how could any created being possibly be worthy of worship? Only the One who is completely independent and sustains all others is worthy of being worshipped.
Quick Quiz
Question 1: The name Al-Qayyum means that everything in the universe:
Question 2: The famous Prophetic dua for distress asks for help through the names 'Al-Hayy' and:
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