Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Hayy

The Alive, The One attributed with a life that is unlike our life and is not that of a combination of soul, flesh or blood.

ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

(Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat¹ encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.) Al-Baqara 2: 255

When the term “Hayy” (الحي) is used as one of the names of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), it signifies His eternal and perfect life. Allah’s life is not subject to the limitations and imperfections of created beings; rather, it is absolute and flawless. This perfection extends to His awareness and knowledge of all things, encompassing everything in existence.

Indeed, Allah’s life is perfect and free from any weaknesses or deficiencies. He is not affected by sickness, weakness, or any form of imperfection. His existence is absolute, without beginning or end, and it transcends the limitations of time and space. This profound understanding of Allah’s attributes inspires awe and reverence among believers, highlighting His unmatched greatness and perfection.

It is mentioned 5 times in the Holy Quran

Eternal Vigilance and Sustenance

The attribute of Al-Hayy embodies Allah’s eternal vigilance and sustenance over all creation. His life is self-sustaining, needing no support, unlike human beings who require food, water, and sleep for survival. This divine attribute is clearly expressed in the Quran:

وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِ (الفرقان 25:58)
“And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die, and exalt [Allah] with His praise.” (Al-Furqan 25:58)

By reflecting on this, believers understand that Allah’s care and management of the universe are active and ongoing, emphasizing His constant presence and watchfulness. This understanding reassures believers that they are under the perpetual care of a vigilant Lord. It motivates them to live with a constant awareness of Allah’s presence, guiding them to act righteously and seek His pleasure in all their actions. It also instills a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that their sustainer is always awake, managing the affairs of the universe without fatigue. The reassurance that comes from knowing Allah is ever-vigilant and self-sustaining provides a foundation for a believer’s trust and reliance on Him.

Al-Hayy is intrinsically linked to Allah’s omniscience and omnipresence. His eternal life grants Him perfect knowledge of the past, present, and future, encapsulating all events and entities in existence. This comprehensive knowledge is highlighted in the verse: “He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except for what He wills.” (Al-Baqara 2:255).

For believers, this means recognizing that nothing escapes Allah’s notice. This attribute encourages them to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, even in moments hidden from human eyes. It promotes a consciousness that every secret thought, every private deed, and every whispered word is known to Allah, urging believers to cultivate sincerity and transparency in their faith and daily interactions.

Divine Omniscience and Omnipresence

Al-Hayy is intrinsically linked to Allah’s omniscience and omnipresence. His eternal life grants Him perfect knowledge of the past, present, and future, encapsulating all events and entities in existence. This comprehensive knowledge is highlighted in the verse:

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ (البقرة 2:255)
“He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except for what He wills.” (Al-Baqarah 2:255)

For believers, this means recognizing that nothing escapes Allah’s notice. This attribute encourages them to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, even in moments hidden from human eyes. It promotes a consciousness that every secret thought, every private deed, and every whispered word is known to Allah, urging believers to cultivate sincerity and transparency in their faith and daily interactions. Knowing that Allah is Al-Hayy and possesses complete and perfect knowledge helps believers develop a deeper sense of accountability and moral responsibility, guiding them to strive for righteousness in all aspects of their lives.

Guidance and Support from Al-Hayy

The everlasting life of Allah as Al-Hayy ensures that His guidance and support are always available to those who seek Him. This divine support is a beacon for believers, guiding them through trials and challenges. As Allah states:

وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ (الحديد 57:4)
“And He is with you wherever you are.” (Al-Hadid 57:4)

This verse affirms that Allah’s presence encompasses all spaces and times, offering solace and support to believers regardless of their circumstances. Recognizing Allah as Al-Hayy helps believers understand that their supplications are heard by a God who is always alive, always attentive. It encourages them to turn to Him in prayer and supplication, especially in times of need, and reassures them that Allah’s support is only a sincere invocation away. This continual divine support fosters a profound dependency on Allah, cultivating a spiritual life where trust in His perfect attributes shapes every aspect of a believer’s life.

The constant awareness of Allah’s presence and the assurance of His guidance and support provide believers with the strength and resilience to navigate life’s challenges. This understanding promotes a deep, unwavering faith that Allah, as Al-Hayy, is ever-present, ever-watchful, and ever-ready to assist those who seek His help with sincerity and devotion.