Explanation

The name Al-Qayyoom (القيوم) is one of the beautiful names of Allah (Asma ul-Husna). It is derived from the root word Q-W-M (ق و م), which conveys meanings related to standing, establishing, sustaining, and maintaining. The name Al-Qayyoom is often translated as “The Self-Sustaining,” “The Ever-Standing,” or “The Maintainer of All Existence.” It emphasizes Allah’s absolute independence, His role in sustaining and maintaining all creation, and His eternal existence without any need for rest or support.

Meaning and Significance of Al-Qayyoom:

Self-Sustaining and Independent: Allah is completely independent of His creation. He does not need anything or anyone, while everything in existence depends on Him for its survival and sustenance.
Sustainer of All Existence: Allah is the One who maintains and upholds the universe and everything within it. Without His continuous support, everything would cease to exist.
Eternal and Everlasting: Allah is always standing, never sleeping or resting. His existence is perpetual and unchanging.
Source of Stability and Order: The name Al-Qayyoom reflects the perfect order and balance in the universe, which is maintained by Allah’s will and power.

Attributes and Significance

Sustainer of the Universe:
Allah as Al-Qayyoom is the force behind the continual existence and order of all things. Every part of the cosmos—from the largest galaxies to the smallest particles—operates under His sustaining power.
Self-Subsisting and Independent:
Unlike creation, which is contingent upon something else, Allah is completely self-sufficient. He does not need rest, support, or maintenance. His being is perpetual and unchanging.
Ever-Present Guardian:
The name conveys that Allah is always actively watching over His creation. His sustaining care ensures that the natural order, the cycles of life and death, and the precise laws governing the universe are maintained without interruption.
Encouragement for Believers:
Knowing that Allah is Al-Qayyoom provides comfort and reassurance. Believers can trust that nothing happens outside of His knowledge or will, and that every aspect of life is under His perfect control.

Practical Implications for Believers

Reliance and Trust:
Recognizing Allah as Al-Qayyoom reassures believers that every event, whether perceived as good or challenging, is under His careful maintenance. This deepens trust in His wisdom and divine plan.
Mindfulness and Accountability:
Since Allah not only creates but also continually upholds the universe, believers are encouraged to live mindfully, understanding that every moment and action is within His all-encompassing care.
Gratitude:
Every blessing and every aspect of the natural order is a manifestation of Allah’s sustaining power. This realization prompts a sense of gratitude and encourages the believer to praise Him for His unending mercy and care.
Reflection on Divine Order:
Observing the universe’s balance, precision, and order invites reflection on the omnipotence of Allah. Such contemplation can lead to increased faith and a more profound spiritual connection.

Connection Between Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyoom:

The names Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyoom are often mentioned together in the Quran. They complement each other and provide a profound understanding of Allah’s nature:

Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) emphasizes Allah’s eternal life and existence.
Al-Qayyoom (The Sustainer of Existence) emphasizes His role in maintaining and upholding all of creation.

Together, these names highlight Allah’s perfection, independence, and absolute power over the universe.

Final Reflections

The name Al-Qayyoom beautifully encapsulates Allah’s role as the eternal sustainer of all that exists. It is a reminder that everything in the universe is maintained by His unerring power, wisdom, and care. From the meticulous order of the cosmos to the personal details of every human life, nothing escapes His attention. Reflecting on this name, especially through the powerful words of Ayat al-Kursi, deepens a believer’s trust, gratitude, and commitment to living in accordance with the divine order established by Allah, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.

Quran References

The name Al-Qayyoom is mentioned twice in the Quran, both times in combination with another name of Allah, Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living). Together, these names highlight Allah’s eternal life and His role in sustaining all of creation.

1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255) – Ayat al-Kursi:

This is the most famous verse in which the name Al-Qayyoom appears. It is known as Ayat al-Kursi (The Verse of the Throne), and it is one of the most powerful and comprehensive verses in the Quran.

Arabic:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

Translation:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”

Explanation:

In this verse, Allah is described as Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyoom (The Sustainer of Existence). These two names together emphasize Allah’s eternal life and His role in maintaining and sustaining all of creation.
The phrase “Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep” further highlights Allah’s perfection and independence. Unlike His creation, Allah does not tire or need rest.
The verse also emphasizes Allah’s absolute knowledge, power, and authority over everything in the heavens and the earth.

2. Surah Ali Imran (3:2):

This is the second verse in which the name Al-Qayyoom appears, again in combination with Al-Hayy.

Arabic:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ

Translation:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”