Last updated on June 25th, 2025 at 08:59 am
Dua (supplication or invocation) is a sort of direct request of a believer to his Creator, Almighty Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, seeking His blessings, guidance and assistance. While a specific dua might be recited for a specific purpose or need, there are many general-purpose duas as well. Such duas are generally recited for the overall betterment of worldly life, side by side, for protection against punishment on the Day of Judgement. A good example of such a dua is mentioned in the 201st verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:
(رَبَّنَاۗ اٰتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَۃً وَّفِي الْاٰخِرَۃِ حَسَـنَۃً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ – Give us of good in the world, O Lord, and give us of good in the life to come, and suffer us not to suffer the torment of Hell).
Similarly, dua for a specific purpose such as the one recited while starting a journey, is mentioned in verses 13-14 of Surah Az-Zukhruf:
( وَاِنَّاۗ اِلٰى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُوْنَ سُبْحٰنَ الَّذِيْ سَخَّــرَ لَنَا ھٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَہٗ مُقْرِنِيْنَ – All glory to Him who subjugated these for us. We were incapable of doing so. Surely, we have to go back to our Lord.)
So, duas are of two types, for a general purpose and for a specific purpose. Moreover, it is not necessary that a dua has to be taken from Quranic verses or Hadith quotes; it can be phrased as per the nature and requirement of the situation.
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees
“Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees” (يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ) is a very powerful and highly virtuous dua, which the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite so often, during the times of distress. Despite being a short dua, it holds immense virtues, as the two most majestic names of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى are used in it, “Hayy” and “Qayyum”, which translate to “Ever living” and “Self sustaining or sustainer”.
Translation of dua
O Ever-Living, O Self-Sustaining, by Your mercy I seek help.
This dua is not mentioned in exactly the same words in any of the Quranic verses. However, the attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, Hayy and Qayyum can be found in 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah (Also known as ayat al-Kursi),
“اَللہُ لَاۗ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا ھُوَ۰ۚ اَلْـحَيُّ الْقَيُّوْمُ”
This is the closest reference to this dua, found in the Quran. Similarly, this Dua is also found in the first part of Hadith number 3524 of Jami At-Tirmidhi. Anas Bin Malik narrates it:
Translation
“Whenever a matter would distress him, the Prophet (ﷺ) would say: ‘O Living, O Self-Sustaining Sustainer! In Your Mercy do I seek relief (Yā Ḥayyu yā Qayyūm, bi-raḥmatika astaghīth).'” And with this chain, that he said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Be constant with: “O Possessor of Majesty and Honor (Yā Dhal-Jalāli wal-Ikrām).'”
A hint of this dua can also be found in Hadith 1300 of Sunan An-Nasai, as narrated by Anas Bin Malik. It is mentioned in this Hadith that a person made a dua in the presence of the Prophet in the following words:
(“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِأَنَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَحْدَكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ، الْمَنَّانُ، يَا بَدِيعَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ، يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ، يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ”)
Translation
(O Allah, indeed I ask You since all praise is due to You, there is none worthy of worship but You, the Bestower, the Creator of the heavens and earth, O Possessor of majesty and honor, O Ever-living, O-Eternal, I ask of You.)’
On hearing this, the Prophet asked the audience, “Do you know what he supplicated with?”. The audience said it is better known to Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet then said,
“he called upon Allah by His Greatest Name, which, if He is called by it, He responds, and if He is asked by it, He gives.'”
Here, again, the Almighty Allah is called by two of His Greatest Names, Hayy and Qayyum.
How and When to Recite this Dua
As with any other general-purpose supplication, this very special dua is not restricted to any specific time; it can be recited anytime. However, according to a tradition, with reference to the above-mentioned Hadith of Sunan An-Nasai, it is narrated as under:
Quote
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to Fatimah: “What could prevent you from listening to the advice I give you? You should say when morning comes and when evening comes: Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum, bi rahmatika astaghith, aslih li shani kullahu, wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfat ‘ayn (O Ever-Living, O Self-Sustaining and All-Sustaining, by Your mercy I seek help; rectify all my affairs and do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for the blink of an eye)
Unquote
The tradition is graded Sahih (authentic) by different scholars. So, in terms of these traditions, it is believed that the supplication (Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees) should be recited in the morning and evening. Accordingly, the best times to recite this dua, as derived by the scholars, are as under:
· Morning and Night
The best time for recitation of this dua is morning (after Fajr Prayer) and at night, before going to sleep. It is also evident from the above-referred tradition. The scholars also recommend that reciting it late in the night (Tahajjud) is specifically a high time, as that is the time when there is the highest probability of it being accepted by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
Hadith number 1145 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates that at the time of Tahajjud (when the last third of the night remains), Allah Almighty descends to the nearest Heavens and listens and accepts the supplications:
Translation
Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?
Based on this Hadith and the tradition as narrated above, the scholars are of the view that there is the highest expectancy of this supplication being accepted when recited at the time of Tahajjud (the last third part of the night).
· During the Time of Distress
This dua seeks mercy and help from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, calling Him with the most Majestic Names. Hence, it is agreed by most scholars that reciting it in times of hardship, distress, and sadness is highly beneficial. When a believer seeks help, assistance, and mercy of the Almighty Allah, it is always accepted by Him. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى likes those who supplicate, as mentioned in the 60th verse of Surah Ghafir:
Translation
Your Lord has said: “Call to Me that I may answer your call. Surely those who disdain worshipping Me will enter Hell, disgraced.”
Hence, seeking help, mercy, and assistance from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, by reciting this dua is highly beneficial, especially in times of hardship and difficulties.
· During Prostration (Sujood)
The expectancy of acceptance of dua is higher when recited during sujood (prostration). This is evident from:
Translation
he nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state)
So, the supplication “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees” will bring the highest benefits when recited while in the state of prostration.
· Recite it as Zikr
Recitation of this dua in the form of zikr is also highly beneficial. It means reciting it consistently, hundreds of times. It can be done at any time during the day or night, whenever one has ample time. It can be done in times of stress and hardship. Reciting it in this manner will alleviate hardship and stress, bringing peace of mind and soul.
How to Recite “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees”
Although this supplication can be recited at any time, it is better to do it with proper preparations. Being in the state of wudu is better, as it involves direct communication with the Almighty Allah, and that too with the best of His name.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to present oneself in a presentable manner, as per Islamic traditions, which includes wearing clean clothes, performing ablution, and sitting or prostrating in a neat and clean place. However, there is no such restriction; one can recite it even while traveling or at work. But being in a clean state is better.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees”
- It brings instant relief from tension, distress, and anxiety.
- Recitation with complete submission and sincerity brings calmness and one feels relaxed.
- Reciting this supplication protects us from the influence of Satan; hence enhances our faith and belief.
- Recitation of this supplication before going to sleep ensures spiritual protection during the night.
- It enhances the level of Taqwa, as we call Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى with two of His most powerful names, Hayy and Qayyum. By doing so, we affirm our unwavering trust in the powers and existence of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
IMPORTANT
To get maximum benefits from the recitation of this powerful supplication, keep in mind the following important things:
- Recite it with full submission and devotion.
- Recite it with full attention; avoid distraction.
- Recite it from the core of your heart.
- Include this supplication in your daily schedule and be consistent in following that schedule.
- As with any other supplication, recitation of durood before and after the recitation of this dua brings huge spiritual benefits.
Conclusion
Dua is an essential part of faith in Islamic theology. It is direct communication and a humble request of the believers with the Creator of this Universe, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Many Quranic and Hadith references mention that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى likes this act from the believers and is always ready to accept their requests. Unlike many other popular supplications, “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees” is unique in the sense that we seek the mercy and help of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى while calling Him with two of His most majestic attributes, Hayy and Qayyum.
That’s why it is known as the most powerful supplication. Moreover, it is believed to have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. He used to recite it frequently in times of difficulty and stress. So, when we recite this dua, we also follow an act of Sunnah of the Prophet. In that way, it brings multiple benefits for its reciter. We get rewards for following the Sunnah and on the other hand, we get the most desired Mercy, Help, and Assistance from Almighty Allah.
