1. Literal Meaning
The Name Al-Qayyum comes from the root q–w–m (ق–و–م), which means to stand, to establish, to maintain. Al-Qayyum refers to the One who not only exists by Himself without any support, but also upholds and sustains everything else.
2. Quranic Usage
Al-Qayyum appears paired with Al-Hayy in key verses such as in Ayatul Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255):
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence…”
Also in Al-Imran 3:2:
Allaahu laaa ilaaha illaa Huwal Haiyul Qaiyoom
Allah – there is no god except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.
Translations of Al-Qayyum:
Yusuf Ali: “the Self-Subsisting”
Pickthall: “the Sustainer of all”
Sahih International: “the Sustainer of [all] existence”
Muhammad Asad: “the Self-Subsisting Fount of All Being”
Mustafa Khattab: “the Sustainer of all”
3. Linguistic Form and Pattern
Al-Qayyum is on the fa’ul (فعول) pattern, which in Arabic morphology indicates intensity, continuity, and constancy. It is part of a class of intensified forms known as sighat al-mubalaghah, used to describe someone who does something habitually, deeply, or without interruption. This pattern suggests that God’s act of sustaining is not occasional, but continuous and all-encompassing.
The faʿul (فَعُول) pattern in Arabic morphology
The faʿul pattern is a common intensive form (called sighat al-mubalaghah) in Arabic that conveys:
- intensity
- permanence
- repetition or constancy
- sometimes depth of quality
It is used to describe someone or something that does something habitually, to a high degree, or continuously.
Examples in Quranic and everyday Arabic
| Word | Root | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Qayyum | q–w–m | One who continually sustains all |
| Ghafur | gh–f–r | One who constantly forgives |
| Shakur | sh–k–r | One who is deeply and continuously grateful |
| Sabur | s–b–r | One who is extremely patient |
| Hafudh | h–f–z | One who persistently guards or protects |
| Rahum | r–h–m | One who is full of mercy (rare, poetic use) |
Everyday use in Modern Arabic
Some words on the faʿul pattern are still used today in formal and semi-formal contexts:
- ghafur – in religious speech (“Allah ghafur rahim”)
- shakur – used in names (e.g., Shakur) or poetic speech
- sabur – admired quality (“yakun sabur” = be patient)
- jawad (a variant intensifier) – very generous person
- hammul – someone who bears a lot of responsibility or burden
4. Classical Scholarly Views
Al-Ghazali says Al-Qayyum is “the One who sustains Himself and sustains all others.” He is the necessary being who depends on nothing, while everything else depends on Him moment to moment.
5. Not Limited to Physical Support
God’s sustaining does not only mean providing food or air, but also maintaining laws of physics, human faculties, and inner realities. His sustaining power covers the visible and the unseen. Al-Qayyum includes physical, spiritual, existential, and metaphysical support. He is not just a giver, but the one who holds everything in place.
6. Similar Names
Al-Qayyum is sometimes compared to Al-Razzaq (The Provider),
7. In Human Terms
No human or system is truly self-sustaining. Recognizing Al-Qayyum puts our dependence in perspective. Every breath, thought, and heartbeat continues only because He wills it.
8. Spiritual Perspective
Spiritually, Al-Qayyum is the One who keeps the soul steady. When people feel unstable or lost, He is the axis that never shifts. He can ground the heart when all else falters.
9. Practical Reflection
In moments of collapse — emotional, financial, or moral — call on Al-Qayyum. He alone can uphold what is falling. He sustains entire galaxies and can sustain you, too.
10. Invocation and Dua
The Prophet invoked this Name with Al-Hayy, especially in distress:
“Ya Hayy, Ya Qayyum, by Your mercy I seek help.”
It is considered one of the most powerful supplications in Islam.
11. Everyday Arabic Usage
The root q–w–m appears in many common Arabic words:
– “qiyam” (standing)
– “qayyim” (upright, worthy)
– “muqawwim” (one who sets right, evaluator)
– “qawwam” (a caretaker or firm supporter)
Example sentences:
– “al-qiyam li-l-muallim wajib” – Standing for the teacher is proper.
– “huwa rajul qayyim” – He is an upright man.
– “Allah qawwamun ‘ala kulli shay'” – Allah is the Sustainer over all things.
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