Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Dua

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray thus: 'Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum bi-rahmatika astaghith...'" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Da'awat 75/3524). This dua begins with two of Allah's great names: al-Hayy (the Ever-Living) and al-Qayyum (the One who sustains all that exists).

The phrase "bi-rahmatika astaghith" (by Your mercy I seek help) is the servant's confession of his own helplessness and of his need for Allah's mercy. The part "aslih li sha'ni kullah" (set right all my affairs) is a request for the setting right not of a single affair but of all of them. Family, work, health, worship — it means entrusting them all to Allah.

The phrase "wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ayn" (do not leave me to my own self even for the blink of an eye) is the most striking part of this dua. The servant asks not to be left to his lower self for even a moment; for if he is left to it for a moment, in that moment he may go astray and fall into sin. A person's lower self is weak, but Allah's protection is strong.

This is a highly effective dua that may be recited every morning and evening, after every prayer, in every difficulty, and especially at a time of great need.