1. Literal Meaning
The Name Al-Hayy comes from the Arabic root h–y–y (ح–ي–ي), which means life or to live. Al-Hayy refers to the One whose life is perfect, eternal, and independent. He did not come into being and will never die. His life has no beginning, end, or deficiency.
2. Quranic Usage
Al-Hayy appears multiple times in the Quran. One of the most well-known is in Ayat al-Kursi:
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.”
— Al-Baqarah 2:255
It also appears in Al-Imran 3:2 and elsewhere, always emphasizing the perfection and permanence of God’s life.
Translations of Al-Hayy:
Yusuf Ali: “the Living”
Pickthall: “the Living”
Sahih International: “the Ever-Living”
Muhammad Asad: “the Ever-Living”
Mustafa Khattab: “the Ever-Living”
3. Linguistic Form and Pattern
Al-Hayy is on the fa’il (فاعل) pattern, which in Arabic typically denotes someone who possesses an active, inherent, and constant quality. In this case, it describes the One who is inherently alive in the fullest and most perfect sense. Unlike created beings whose life is temporary and dependent, God’s life is essential, independent, and eternal.
The fa’il form is widely used in both divine Names and everyday Arabic. It often marks the doer of an action or one who possesses a trait. Some everyday examples include:
- alim (عليم) – knowing or knowledgeable
- rahim (رحيم) – merciful
- samia (سميع) – hearing
- basir (بصير) – seeing
- hakim (حكيم) – wise
In the case of Al-Hayy, the pattern signifies that God’s life is not something that arises, fades, or changes — it is always active, always perfect, and always present.
4. Classical Scholarly Views
According to Al-Ghazali, Al-Hayy is “the One whose life is real, eternal, and complete, not touched by nonexistence or imperfection.” He lives without beginning or end, unlike created beings whose lives are always contingent.
5. Not Limited to Biological Life
Life in the divine sense includes consciousness, will, knowledge, and power. It is not biological but absolute and metaphysical. Al-Hayy is aware, active, and capable in a way no other life form can be.
6. Distinction from Similar Names
Al-Hayy is closely paired with Al-Qayyum. While Al-Hayy emphasizes God’s eternal life, Al-Qayyum emphasizes His sustaining power. Both Names appear together in Ayat al-Kursi and Surah Al-Imran.
7. In Human Terms
All human life is a borrowed gift. We are alive only because He sustains us. Recognizing Al-Hayy reminds us of our mortality and dependence on the One who never dies.
8. Spiritual Perspective
On the spiritual path, invoking Al-Hayy is a way of seeking divine vitality – not just physical strength, but inner awareness, presence, and awakening. His life is the source of all spiritual reality.
9. Practical Reflection
In times of illness, despair, or spiritual fatigue, call upon Al-Hayy. He alone can give life to the heart, body, and soul. Even when everything seems to wither, His life remains the anchor.
10. Invocation and Dua
The Prophet often prayed using this Name, especially in the dua:
“Ya Hayy, Ya Qayyum, by Your mercy I seek relief.”
— Reported in Tirmidhi
11. Everyday Arabic Usage
The root h–y–y appears in many common Arabic words:
– hayat (life)
– hayy (alive)
– yuhyi (he gives life)
– tahya (may you live)
– istihya (modesty, from a sense of inner liveliness or honor)
Example sentences:
– al-hayat jameela – Life is beautiful.
– anta hayy – You are alive.
– inna Allaha yuhyi wa yumit – Indeed, God gives life and causes death.
– tahya misr – Long live Egypt.
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