In the journey of life, we all face moments when we feel lost, weak, or completely broken. In those moments, there is a special supplication that many believers whisper with trembling hearts — Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum birahmatika astaghees.
This beautiful and powerful dua has helped countless people find hope, strength, and comfort. It is not just a phrase. It is a heartfelt cry for Allah’s mercy and support.
In this article, we will explore the deep meaning behind this dua. We’ll also look at each word in Arabic, its transliteration, and translation. Plus, we’ll learn when and how to use it for maximum spiritual benefit.
What Does “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees” Mean?
Arabic:
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ
Transliteration:
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astaghees
English Translation:
“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help.”
This short yet deep dua combines two of Allah’s most beautiful names: Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (The Self-Subsisting, Sustainer of all). It expresses total dependence on Allah’s mercy.
▶ Watch the Dua Video Below.
Breaking Down the Dua: Word by Word Meaning
Let’s understand this dua by looking at each part closely.
1. Ya Hayyu (يَا حَيُّ) – O Ever-Living
The name Al-Hayy means The Ever-Living. Allah is the only One whose life is without beginning or end. He never dies, never sleeps, and is always in control.
Quranic Reference:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255 – Ayat al-Kursi)
In moments of fear or weakness, calling upon Ya Hayyu reminds us that the One who is always alive and never changes is watching over us.
2. Ya Qayyum (يَا قَيُّومُ) – O Sustainer
Al-Qayyum means The Self-Sustaining, the One who manages every part of creation. Nothing can exist without His will.
Quranic Reference:
“And put your trust in the Ever-Living, Who does not die, and glorify His praises.”
(Surah Al-Furqan, 25:58)
When we say Ya Qayyum, we surrender our affairs to Allah, knowing He holds everything in perfect balance — from the stars in the sky to the worries in our hearts.
3. Birahmatika (بِرَحْمَتِكَ) – By Your Mercy
This phrase means “by Your mercy.” It reflects our understanding that no matter what we ask, we don’t deserve it — but we ask for it because of Allah’s unlimited mercy.
Quranic Reference:
“My mercy encompasses all things.”
(Surah Al-A’raf, 7:156)
Mercy is the door to Allah’s blessings. It’s what we turn to when all else fails.
4. Astaghees (أَسْتَغِيثُ) – I Seek Your Help
The word astaghees means “I cry for help” or “I seek rescue.” It’s not a calm request. It’s a desperate call from someone drowning, asking Allah to pull them out.
It shows the urgency and intensity of our plea.
When to Recite This Dua?
This dua can be recited at any time, but it becomes especially powerful in:
- Times of crisis or distress
- During Tahajjud (night prayer)
- Before making big decisions
- In sujood (prostration) during salah
- After praying Istikhara
Example from the Prophet ﷺ
It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often say this dua in distress.
Hadith Reference:
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astaghees. Aslih li sha’ni kullahu wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ayn.”
“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help. Rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye.”
(Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak, Sahih)
This shows how deeply the Prophet ﷺ relied on this powerful call to Allah.
How This Dua Can Change Your Life
When you say “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum birahmatika astaghees”, you’re doing more than just repeating words. You’re shifting your focus from the problem to the Problem Solver.
You are:
- Calling on Allah’s eternal power
- Admitting your weakness
- Trusting in His endless mercy
This is the heart of true worship — tawakkul (reliance on Allah).
A Personal Reflection: Finding Light in the Dark
I remember a time when I was overwhelmed with worry. It felt like the walls were closing in. Then I came across this dua. I didn’t know much Arabic, but the words felt powerful. I started reciting it again and again.
With every repetition, my heart calmed down. The situation didn’t change overnight — but I changed. I felt less alone. I felt seen by Allah.
Conclusion: Make This Dua Your Daily Habit
The beauty of “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum birahmatika astaghees” lies in its simplicity and depth. It’s a dua for every heart that’s tired, every soul that’s seeking peace.
Make it part of your morning, your night, your moments of pain and joy. Let it flow from your tongue and live in your heart.
And remember: You are never truly alone when you call upon Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyum.
Bonus: Full Dua in Arabic, Transliteration, and English
Arabic:
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ، أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ، وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَىٰ نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ
Transliteration:
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astaghees. Aslih li sha’ni kullahu wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ayn.
Translation:
“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help. Rectify all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself for even the blink of an eye.”
📚 References:
- Al-Quran: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255, Surah Al-Furqan 25:58, Surah Al-A’raf 7:156
- Hadith: Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak (authenticated)
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir
- Riyad as-Salihin
FAQs:
This short dua means:
“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help.”
Let’s break it down:
Ya Hayyu: O Ever-Living – Allah never dies. He is always watching, always present.
Ya Qayyum: O Sustainer – Allah keeps everything in the universe running.
Birahmatika: By Your mercy – We ask Allah not because we deserve it, but because of His kindness.
Astaghees: I seek help – A deep cry for rescue when life feels heavy.
This dua is like an emotional lifeline. It is a way to say, “Ya Allah, I can’t do this alone. Please help me through Your mercy.”
You can recite this dua anytime, but it becomes more special in certain moments.
Here are the best times to say it:
During Tahajjud (late night prayer)
When you are worried, sad, or afraid
In sujood (prostration) during salah
After making Istikhara
Before making an important decision
When you feel spiritually empty or weak
Many scholars and pious people use this dua during hard times. Even the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used it in distress, asking Allah to fix his affairs and not leave him alone, not even for a blink.
This makes it not just a dua — but a Sunnah practice filled with deep blessings.
This dua is not found in the Qur’an directly. But it is reported in authentic Hadith.
Authentic Source:
According to Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak, the Prophet ﷺ used to say:
“Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astaghees. Aslih li sha’ni kullahu wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ayn.”
Translation: “O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help. Fix all of my matters and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye.”
This dua was also used regularly by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah and Imam Ibn al-Qayyim during difficult times.
So yes, this is a well-known and trusted Islamic dua, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and practiced by Islamic scholars.
Try adding this dua into your daily morning routine. Say it with focus. Say it with your heart. Over time, you may feel stronger inside, even when the world outside doesn’t change.
