ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ 2
Translations
Allāh - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining.
Transliteration
Allahu la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayyu al-Qayyum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is a declaration of Allah's absolute oneness and His essential attributes of eternal life (Al-Hayy) and self-sustenance (Al-Qayyum). Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that Al-Hayy means the Ever-Living who never dies, while Al-Qayyum means the Self-Subsisting upon whom all creation depends for existence and sustenance. These two attributes encompass Allah's perfection and His ability to sustain all of creation without any external support.
Revelation Context
Surah Ali 'Imran opens with this declaration of divine oneness after the introductory letters 'Alif-Lam-Meem. The surah was revealed in Madinah and addresses the People of the Book regarding the nature of Allah and the message of tawhid (monotheism), establishing the theological foundation before discussing historical narratives and practical guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned these two names (Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyum) in a supplication recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah and Jami' at-Tirmidhi: 'O Ever-Living, O Self-Subsisting One, by Your mercy I seek aid.' This hadith emphasizes the importance of calling upon Allah by these magnificent names.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that only Allah possesses true and eternal existence, and that every creature's life and sustenance depend entirely upon Him—a foundational principle that should inspire complete trust in Allah and submission to His will. Understanding these divine attributes cultivates humility and recognition of human dependence, strengthening one's relationship with the Creator.