Al-Ḥaiy (الحى)
Definition and Significance
Al-Ḥaiy (Arabic: الحى) translates to “The Living One” in English. It is one of the ninety-nine names or attributes of God (Asma’ul Husna) in Islam, reflecting the divine attribute of eternal life and perpetual existence. The term signifies that God is and always will be alive, without beginning or end.
Etymology
The term Al-Ḥaiy is derived from the Arabic root ح ـ ي ـ ي (ḥ-y-y), which pertains to life and living. In Hebrew, a similar expression is חַי (Chai), which also means “life” or “living.”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الْحَيّ (Al-Ḥaiy)
- Turkish: El-Hayy
Occurrence in the Qur’an
The term Al-Ḥaiy appears multiple times in the Qur’an, underscoring the concept of God’s unique, eternal life. Some notable occurrences include:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255): “Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”
- Surah Al-Imran (3:2): “Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”
These verses emphasize that God is self-existent and self-sufficient, a fundamental belief in Islamic theology.
Theological Implications
In Islamic thought, understanding God as Al-Ḥaiy has several profound implications:
- Eternality: God, being ever-living, is eternal, has no beginning, and no end.
- Self-Sufficiency: God’s life is independent of all things; He is not reliant on anything for His existence.
- Sustenance: God, being The Living One, is the ultimate source of life for all creation.
Books for Further Studies
For a deeper understanding of Al-Ḥaiy and other attributes of God in Islam, the following books are recommended:
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Ghazzali
- “The Divine Names” by Ibn Arabi
- “The Meanings of the Names of Our Lord” by Imam al-Bayhaqi
Takeaways
Understanding the attribute of Al-Ḥaiy enriches one’s comprehension of the inherent nature of God in Islam—eternal and self-sustaining. This attribute underlines the dependency of all life on God and the foundational concept of God’s undying nature.
Conclusion
Al-Ḥaiy, “The Living One,” is a core attribute of God that affirms His eternal existence and self-sufficiency. As believers reflect on this attribute, they deepen their understanding of God’s nature and the relationship between the Creator and creation within Islamic theology.
This exploration into Al-Ḥaiy not only reinforces the concept of God’s eternal life but also emphasizes the essential belief in God’s ever-present and sustaining role in the life of His creation.
