Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Qayyoom
The Self-Subsisting, The Self-Existing One upon Whom all others depend
Al-Qayyûm, meaning Allah is the Sustainer of Himself and of all created.
The name Al-Qayyum, often paired with Al-Hayy (the Living), underscores the attribute of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) being self-subsisting and independent. This pairing highlights the concept of Allah’s self-sufficiency and sovereignty over all creation.
Al-Hayy signifies that Allah is ever-living, existing eternally by His own essence, without any need for sustenance or support from any external source. This eternal life is intrinsic to His divine nature, independent of any external factors.
When coupled with Al-Qayyum, which can be translated as the Self-Subsisting or the Self-Sustaining, it emphasizes that Allah not only possesses life but also sustains Himself and all of creation by His own power and will. He is the source of existence for all things, and everything in the universe depends on Him for its sustenance and continuation.
This concept contrasts with all other forms of life, which are inherently dependent on various factors for their existence. Living beings require specific conditions, such as air, water, and food, to survive and thrive. They are subject to vulnerability and limitations, ultimately relying on external sources for their sustenance.
However, Allah, as Al-Qayyum, is entirely self-sufficient and self-sustaining. He needs nothing and no one to maintain His existence or power. He is the ultimate source of life and sustenance for all creation, and everything depends on Him for its being.
(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) البقرة 2: 255
(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
It is mentioned 3 times in the Holy Quran
Al-Qayyum: Finding Stability in an Ever-Changing World
In today’s rapidly evolving society, where change is the only constant, the concept of Al-Qayyum provides a grounding perspective. Al-Qayyum, the Self-Sustaining, reminds us that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is an unchanging, steadfast source of stability. This divine attribute assures us that while our circumstances may fluctuate, Allah remains constant, providing a firm foundation upon which we can rely.
The Quran beautifully captures this in Surah Al-Baqarah (البقرة):
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 Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.”
This verse serves as a reminder that no matter how turbulent life becomes, we have a constant and reliable sustainer in Allah, encouraging us to find peace and stability in His eternal nature.
Al-Qayyum: Embracing Self-Sufficiency in Personal Development
In the quest for personal growth and self-improvement, the divine attribute of Al-Qayyum offers profound lessons. Al-Qayyum signifies that Allah is completely self-sustaining and independent. This concept can inspire individuals to cultivate a sense of self-reliance and resilience, while also recognizing our ultimate dependence on Allah.
As we strive to improve ourselves, it’s important to remember that our true strength comes from aligning with the divine will and seeking Allah’s guidance. This balance between self-sufficiency and reliance on Allah is beautifully illustrated in Surah Al-Ikhlas (الإخلاص):
قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'”
Reflecting on Al-Qayyum encourages us to build our capacities and strengths, while always being aware that our ultimate support and sustenance come from Allah. This divine reliance shapes a holistic approach to personal development, integrating spiritual and practical growth.
Al-Qayyum: Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Living
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, the attribute of Al-Qayyum underscores the importance of sustainable living and responsible stewardship of the Earth. As the Self-Sustaining, Allah is the source of all life and sustenance. This awareness should inspire us to live sustainably, recognizing our role as caretakers of the planet Allah has entrusted to us.
The Quran highlights this responsibility in Surah Al-An’am (الأنعام):
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَـٰٓئِفَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍۢ دَرَجَـٰتٍۢ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِيمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
“And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] to test you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.”
By understanding Al-Qayyum, we are reminded that our actions have consequences, and we must strive to protect and preserve the environment. This includes reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Living sustainably is not just a modern trend, but a reflection of our duty to respect and maintain the balance Allah has established in the natural world.