The Divine Name “Al-Qayyum” and the Fine-Tuning of the Universe: A Study of Scientific Indications and Cosmic Miracles
First: The Scriptural Texts
- Qur’anic Verses
Allah Almighty says:
“Allah — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.”
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255]
And He says:
“Alif, Lam, Meem. Allah — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.”
[Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:1–2]
And He says:
“And all faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting Sustainer.”
[Surah Ta-Ha 20:111]
And He says:
“Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth lest they cease. And if they should cease, no one could hold them after Him.”
[Surah Fatir 35:41]
- Prophetic Hadiths
Abu Musa Al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Indeed, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, neither sleeps nor is it befitting for Him to sleep…”
[Narrated by Muslim]
The Prophet ﷺ also used to say during the night prayer:
“O Allah, to You belongs all praise; You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all who are within them…”
[Agreed upon]
Second: Scientific Indications
- The Stability of the Universe Is Based on an Extremely Precise System
Modern physics reveals that the universe is not based on randomness, but rather upon an extraordinarily precise system governed by laws, constants, and fundamental forces that preserve its structure and continuity. It has become evident that even the slightest disturbance in this system could lead to cosmic collapse or make the existence of life impossible.
Among the greatest manifestations of this system are the four fundamental forces.
- The Four Fundamental Forces Preserving the Structure of the Universe
A. Gravity
Gravity is the force responsible for maintaining the order of celestial bodies in the universe. It keeps planets in orbit around stars and preserves the cohesion of galaxies and cosmic clusters.
Although gravity is the weakest of the fundamental forces in terms of strength, its influence extends across immense cosmic distances, making it responsible for the large-scale structure of the universe.
Without the precise balance of gravity, planetary orbits would not remain stable, stars and planets would not form, and life on Earth would not be possible.
B. Electromagnetic Force
The electromagnetic force is responsible for all electrical and magnetic phenomena. It also governs the interactions between atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.
Through this force, the chemical bonds that form water, air, organic compounds, and living organisms come into existence.
It is also responsible for light, electromagnetic radiation, and energy transfer.
If the strength of this force were altered even slightly, the chemical structure of matter would collapse and life would become impossible.
C. Strong Nuclear Force
The strong nuclear force is one of the most powerful forces known in nature. Its primary function is to bind protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus.
Although protons carry positive charges that naturally repel one another, this tremendous force preserves the cohesion of the nucleus and prevents its disintegration.
Without the strong nuclear force, atoms would not remain stable, and the chemical elements composing the universe would not exist.
D. Weak Nuclear Force
The weak nuclear force is responsible for certain forms of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions inside stars.
It plays a fundamental role in the production of solar energy and the formation of heavy elements throughout the universe.
It is also associated with delicate subatomic processes that influence the stability of matter and the evolution of cosmic structures.
If the properties of this force were disrupted, the nuclear reactions necessary for the continuation of stars and life would cease.
- Physical Constants and the Fine-Tuning of the Universe
In addition to the fundamental forces, the universe is governed by a set of highly precise physical constants that regulate natural laws. Among the most famous are:
Speed of Light
The speed at which light travels through a vacuum. It represents the maximum possible speed in the universe and is approximately 300,000 kilometers per second. Many laws of modern physics depend upon it.
Gravitational Constant
A physical constant that determines the strength of gravitational attraction between masses. It is used in calculating the motion of planets, stars, and celestial bodies.
Planck Constant
A fundamental constant in quantum physics that relates the energy of particles to their frequency. It is one of the foundational principles of quantum mechanics.
Electron Mass
The specific mass of the electron, one of the fundamental particles composing the atom. Its mass affects the stability of atoms and physical and chemical interactions.
Electron Electric Charge
The magnitude of the negative electric charge carried by the electron. It forms the basis of electrical and chemical phenomena by governing atomic bonding and the flow of electricity.
Scientists have discovered that these constants are calibrated with extraordinary precision. Even an infinitesimally small change in some of them would lead to:
The collapse of atoms
The impossibility of star formation
The disruption of chemical reactions
The impossibility of life
This is known in modern physics as the “Fine-Tuning of the Universe,” one of the most significant contemporary cosmological concepts.
Third: Aspects of Scientific Miraculousness
- Indication of a Preserving Cosmic System
Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth lest they cease.”
This Qur’anic expression conveys the meaning of continuous preservation and permanent regulation preventing the collapse of the universe. This corresponds remarkably with modern scientific discoveries concerning the existence of a precise system of forces and constants preserving cosmic stability.
- Indication of the Sensitivity of Cosmic Balance
Allah says:
“Lest they cease.”
The verse indicates that any disruption in this preservation would lead to disorder within the cosmic system. This agrees with the conclusions of modern physics, which confirm that an extremely slight alteration in fundamental physical values could render the universe unstable and unfit for life.
- Indication of Continuous Cosmic Sustenance
The noble Prophetic hadith states:
“Indeed, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, neither sleeps nor is it befitting for Him to sleep…”
This indicates that Allah’s preservation and governance of the universe continue without interruption.
This corresponds to the scientific reality that the universe depends upon the continuous and orderly persistence of physical laws and cosmic constants without disturbance.
- Harmony Between the Meaning of “Al-Qayyum” and the Cosmic System
The Divine Name “Al-Qayyum” encompasses the meanings of:
The Self-Subsisting
The Sustainer of all existence
The Preserver of creation
The Continuous Governor of the universe
These meanings correspond with what modern science reveals regarding the precise interconnectedness and comprehensive stability governing all levels of existence, from the atom to the galaxy.
Fourth: Conclusion
The Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions related to the Divine Name “Al-Qayyum” reveal a profound theological truth: that the universe exists through the continuous preservation and governance of Allah Almighty.
Modern physics has demonstrated that the stability of the universe depends upon Allah’s sustaining of an extraordinarily precise system of fundamental forces and physical constants that preserve the balance of matter, energy, and the motion of celestial bodies.
The aspect of scientific miraculousness lies in the harmony between the theological meaning of Divine Sustenance (“Al-Qayyumiyyah”) and what modern science has uncovered regarding the universe’s constant need for a precise and uninterrupted cosmic order that prevents collapse and disorder — reflecting the greatness of the Creator and the perfection of His governance over all existence.
From the book: Forty Hadiths on Scientific Miracles
By Dr. Mohamed Bourbab
