Virtues of Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum: The Secret Dhikr for Relief from Distress and Anxiety

When life’s problems come one after another—whether it’s economic hardship, an illness that doesn’t heal, or sudden anxiety—we often feel alone. It feels as if the world is closing in. Yet, Islam teaches us that we have a Living and All-Managing God who cares for His servants.

The Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, bequeathed a “master key” for all complex problems. That key is to invoke the Most Great Name of Allah: Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum. This dhikr is just one of the many spiritual ‘weapons’ taught by the Prophet. To see a complete guide to other prayers for solving life’s problems, please read our parent article: A collection of prayers for ease.

In the book Al-Adzkar by Imam An-Nawawi, specifically in the chapter regarding supplications during distress (Karb), this dhikr holds a special position. Let’s thoroughly explore the benefits of the dhikr ya hayyu ya qayyum, how to practice it in accordance with the Sunnah, and clarify our understanding of its efficacy.

Why Must We Say “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum”?

Some of us might ask, why did the Prophet SAW choose these two names during a critical moment?

Literally, Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum means “O Living One, O Self-Sustaining One (and continuously manages His creation)”.

1. Al-Hayyu (The Ever-Living): Reminds us that our reliance is upon the Being who will never die. Humans can die, possessions can be depleted, positions can be lost, but Allah is eternal.
2. Al-Qayyum (The Self-Sustaining): Allah manages everything without tiring. When we invoke Al-Qayyum, we acknowledge that we are incapable of managing our lives on our own and need His intervention.

In a narration by At-Tirmidhi (quoted in Al-Adhkar no. 346), Abu Hurairah may Allah be pleased with him narrated the habit of the Prophet:

“That the Prophet ﷺ, when troubled by something, would raise his head to the sky… And when he was earnest in his supplication, he would say: O Living, O Self-Sustaining.”

This illustrates the virtue of the dhikr Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum as a slave’s “emergency alarm” to his Lord.

Remembrance of Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, I seek refuge in Your mercy.

One of the most well-known and authentic supplications when facing difficulties is Istighatsah (seeking help) with the mercy of Allah.

Based on the hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik may Allah be pleased with him (no. 345 in Al-Adhkar), the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would say the following prayer when afflicted with severe hardship (karb):

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيْثُ

(Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astaghiitsu)

Meaning: “O Living One, O Self-Sufficient One, by Your mercy I seek help.”

Al-Hakim considers the sanad (chain of narrators) of this hadith to be authentic. The phrase ya hayyu ya qayyum birahmatika astaghitsu teaches us not to rely on our few good deeds, but rather to rely on Allah’s rahmah (mercy). Because only through His mercy can our problems be solved.

Variations with the Addition of Tawhid

We often hear longer recitations such as ya hayyu ya qayyum birahmatika astaghitsu la ilaha illa anta. The addition of “La ilaha illa anta” (There is no god but You) is a form of strengthening tawhid (monotheism), similar to the prayer of Prophet Yunus. Combining the acknowledgment of Allah’s oneness with a request for help is a very high level of etiquette in supplication.

The Statement of Tawhid: A Fortress During Calamity

Besides the phrase Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Imam An-Nawawi also included the “Dua Al-Karb” (Supplication of Distress) narrated by Ibn Abbas radhiyallahu ‘anhuma (no. 344). Uniquely, the content of this supplication is not a request, but praise and glorification (Tawhid).

Here is the original wording:

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ الْعَظِيْمُ الْحَلِيْمُ, لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمُ, لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَرَبُّ اْلأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيْمِ

Latin: There is no god but Allah, the Most Great, the Most Forbearing; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth and Lord of the Noble Throne.

Meaning: “There is no god but Allah, the Most Great and Most Kind. There is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. There is no god but Allah, the Lord, Creator of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the Glorious Throne.”

The secret of this dhikr is simple: When we are busy praising the greatness of Allah, our problems automatically seem small. A heart that was previously narrow with fear, becomes spacious because it remembers that its Lord is the Most Great (Al-Azhim).

Myths and Facts: Dhikr for Wealth?

Many internet searches ask whether reciting Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum can make one rich? Let’s clarify the intention.

The main purpose of dhikr is to remember Allah. However, one of the fruits of remembering Allah is the opening of the doors of sustenance. When we routinely recite dhikr in the morning, Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, we begin the day by surrendering the affairs of sustenance to the Most Sustaining (Al-Qayyum).

The true richness obtained from this dhikr is:

1. Contentment (Qana’ah): Feeling sufficient and at peace, not being greedy.
2. Blessings in Sustenance: Money that is obtained lasts and brings goodness.
3. Ease of Affairs: If Allah has intervened to take care of our business or work, financial results will follow.

So, don’t turn this dhikr into a “charm for gaining wealth”, but rather make it a means of drawing closer to the Giver of Sustenance.

How to Practice in Daily Life

There are many ways to make this dhikr a part of our lives.

1. Morning and Evening Remembrance

You can include ya hayyu ya qayyum birahmatika astaghitsu in your morning and evening dhikr. This is the best time for protection.

2. During the Last Prostration

The Messenger of Allah said that the closest a servant is to their Lord is during prostration. Increase your supplication during prostration, especially when feeling stuck or at a dead end.

3. Must it be 1000 Times?

Many people ask about the benefits of reciting Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum 1000 times. In the book Al-Adzkar that we are discussing, Imam An-Nawawi does not limit the number to a specific count.

In principle, the more the better (Ilhah or continuously). However, reading 100 times with a conscious heart and weeping is far better than reading 1000 times but the heart is negligent and wants to finish quickly. The quality of presence of heart (hudhurul qalb) is the key.

Comparison Table of Prayers for Difficulty

To better understand the differences in narrations mentioned by Imam An-Nawawi, see the following table:

Narrator	Main Phrase	Focus of Meaning	Condition of Use
Ibn Abbas (No. 344)	Laa ilaaha illallaahul ‘Adhiimul Haliim	Tawhid & Exaltation	When a major disaster occurs or in a critical situation.
Anas bin Malik (No. 345)	Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyum bi rahmatika astaghiits	Seeking Help (Istighatsah)	When the heart is sad or needs a quick solution.
Abu Hurairah (No. 346)	Subhanallahil ‘Adhim & Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum	Tasbih & Mentioning the Names of Allah	When matters become complicated/difficult.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Conclusion

Disasters and life’s difficulties are a way for Allah to call us back. Do not rely on our limited logic. Starting today, moisten your tongue with ya hayyu ya qayyum birahmatika astaghitsu.

This is not merely words, but a proclamation that we are weak and Allah is the only One who is Truly Living and All-Powerful. May Allah lift all sorrow and replace it with happiness.

Besides calling upon the name Al-Hayyu (The Ever-Living), the Prophet also taught a prayer of total surrender so that we do not rely on ourselves even for a moment. Learn the beautiful recitation in the article: A prayer of total surrender to obtain Allah’s mercy.

And Allah knows best.