Ayat e Karima (also spelled Ayat Kareema) is one of the most beloved and powerful duas in the Quran — the supplication of Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام) recited from within the belly of the whale. Muslims turn to Ayat e Karima in times of hardship, distress, worry and difficulty, trusting in Allah's promise to relieve those who call upon Him.

Quick answer: Ayat e Karima is "Laa ilaaha illaa anta subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz-zaalimeen" (Quran 21:87) — "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers." It is the dua of Prophet Yunus, recited for relief from every kind of hardship and distress.

Ayat e Karima — Arabic, transliteration & translation

AYAT E KARIMA · Quran 21:87
لَّآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّىْ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِيْنَ

Laa ilaaha illaa anta subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz-zaalimeen.

English: There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.

The story behind Ayat e Karima

Prophet Yunus (Jonah, عليه السلام) called his people to Allah, but when they did not respond, he left in frustration. He boarded a ship, and by Allah's decree he was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a large fish. In the darkness of the fish's belly, deep in the ocean, he called upon Allah with these words. Allah says: "So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers." (Quran 21:88).

This verse teaches that no matter how dark or hopeless a situation feels, sincere reliance on Allah brings relief.

Benefits of reciting Ayat e Karima

  • Relief from hardship and distress — Allah promises to save the believer who calls upon Him with it, just as He saved Yunus (عليه السلام).
  • A powerful dua of repentance — it combines Tawheed (Allah's Oneness), glorification (Subhanaka), and humble admission of one's mistakes.
  • The Prophet ﷺ said: "The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Yunus)… no Muslim ever supplicates with it for anything except that Allah answers him." (Tirmidhi).
  • It brings calm to an anxious heart and renews trust (tawakkul) in Allah.

How and when to recite Ayat e Karima

  • In any moment of worry, fear, grief or difficulty — recite it with a present, sincere heart.
  • Many recite it repeatedly (some traditionally recite it a set number of times) while making a specific dua for relief. There is no fixed obligatory count — sincerity matters most.
  • Combine it with sending Darood Sharif before and after your dua for greater acceptance.
  • For ongoing anxiety, pair it with the duas in our duas for anxiety and stress guide.
Teach it to your children: Ayat e Karima is short and easy for kids to memorise — a beautiful early dua that teaches them to turn to Allah in every difficulty. Learn correct pronunciation with a tutor so the meaning and sounds are right from the start.
Learn the Quran and its duas with correct Tajweed. NoorPath Academy's certified tutors teach Quran, duas and Tajweed in live 1-on-1 classes with a free 30-minute trial. Book your free trial — no credit card required.