Introduction: The Phrase That Changed My Outlook on Faith
There was a time in my life when everything felt still — a deep silence that even prayers couldn’t seem to fill. Then I came across the phrase Kun Faya Kun. Three simple words that awakened something powerful in me. This wasn’t just a phrase from the Quran. It was Allah’s reminder: When He wills something, He only says to it, ‘Be’, and it is.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Quranic verses that reveal the depth of Kun Faya Kun, explore its meaning, transliteration, and translation, and discover the divine message behind these heavenly words.
What Does Kun Faya Kun Mean?
Arabic: كُنْ فَيَكُونُ
Transliteration: Kun Fayakoon
English Translation: “Be, and it is.”
This short yet incredibly powerful phrase reflects Allah’s absolute authority. When He decrees a matter, He doesn’t need tools, time, or a process. He simply says “Kun” (Be) and it becomes “Fayakoon” (and it is).
This divine expression appears in several places in the Quran, often in the context of creation, miracles, and divine will.
Quranic Verses Containing “Kun Faya Kun” (With Transliteration & English Translation)
Let’s explore each verse where “Kun Faya Kun” is mentioned, one by one:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:117)
Arabic:
بَدِيعُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
Transliteration:
Badee‘u as-samāwāti wal-‘arḍi wa idhā qaḍā amran fa-innamā yaqūlu lahu kun fayakūn.
English Translation:
He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decides on a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.
Reflection:
This verse describes Allah as the Badee‘ — the Creator of unique creations. He doesn’t imitate. When He wills something, it happens — instantly and perfectly.
2. Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:47)
Arabic:
قَالَتْ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ ۖ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ اللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
Transliteration:
Qālat Rabbi annā yakūnu lī waladun walam yamsasnī bashar; qāla kadhāliki-Allāhu yakhluqu mā yashā’, idhā qaḍā amran fa-innamā yaqūlu lahu kun fayakūn.
English Translation:
She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child when no man has touched me?” He said, “This is how Allah creates what He wills. When He decides on something, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”
Reflection:
This verse is part of the miraculous story of Maryam (AS) and the birth of Isa (Jesus AS) — a birth by command alone. No process, no father. Just “Be”, and he was.
3. Surah Ya-Sin (36:82)
Arabic:
إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُ إِذَا أَرَادَ شَيْئًا أَنْ يَقُولَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
Transliteration:
Innamā amruhu idhā arāda shay’an an yaqūla lahu kun fayakūn.
English Translation:
His command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, “Be,” and it is.
Reflection:
This verse beautifully summarizes the simplicity of Allah’s command and the speed of divine creation. There’s no delay between will and result.
4. Surah An-Nahl (16:40)
Arabic:
إِنَّمَا قَوْلُنَا لِشَيْءٍ إِذَا أَرَدْنَاهُ أَنْ نَقُولَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
Transliteration:
Innamā qawluna lishay’in idhā aradnāhu an naqūla lahu kun fayakūn.
English Translation:
Our Word to a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say to it, “Be,” and it is.
Reflection:
This verse confirms that Allah’s word is enough. No army, no tools, no assistance needed. Just His word.
The Spiritual Meaning of “Kun Faya Kun”
The essence of Kun Faya Kun is hope and surrender. It reminds us that nothing is impossible for Allah. Even when we see no way out, Allah can create doors where walls exist.
- Faith-builder: It teaches us to trust in divine timing.
- Heart-healer: When you’ve done all you can, leave the rest to Allah’s command.
- Power of dua: Your prayer may seem unanswered — until Allah says “Kun.”
Real-Life Inspiration: A Moment That Changed Everything
A close friend of mine, who had been childless for years, once shared a story after attending a lecture on Kun Faya Kun. That night, she raised her hands and said, “Ya Allah, just one command from You and I can become a mother.” A year later, she was holding her baby boy — a living miracle that began with hope, trust, and a heart whispering “Kun Fayakoon.”
Reference from Tafsir & Hadith
According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, this phrase represents Allah’s absolute power and will. It is used in the Quran to show that no obstacle exists for the One who is above all causes and effects.
The Hadith of Jibril (Muslim, 8) confirms that belief in Allah’s Qadr (Divine Decree) is a pillar of Iman — and “Kun Faya Kun” is the essence of Qadr.
