Al-Ḥayy or Ḥayy (Arabic: الحي) is one of the names of God in Islam, meaning "The Living." This name signifies that, in Islam, God is described with perfect life.[1] He possesses a perfect life, making him all-seeing, all-hearing, and all-powerful, without experiencing drowsiness or fatigue. This name also alludes to the idea that all creatures—angels, humans, jinn, and animals—receive life from God in the Islamic worldview. Additionally, God imparts life to the hearts of humans through his speech (the Quran).[2]
Al-Hayy is considered one of the greatest names of God, as it is mentioned in the greatest verse in the Quran for Muslims. Muslim children and youth sometimes memorize Ayat Al-Kursi, which is a verse in the Quran containing this name.[3]
A hadith (narration) of Muhammad) says he asked one of his companions to identify the greatest verse in the Quran. The companion answered by saying Ayat Al-Kursi, and Muhammad praised him for recognizing the greatest verse in the entire Quran.[4]
Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] 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 [presently] 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.
— Verse 255, Chapter 2, The Quran [Sahih International]
