اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is perfect to recite at the beginning of your workday, before engaging in business transactions, or when seeking clarity on how to conduct your work ethically. It's a powerful way to align your intentions with seeking Allah's guidance in all your professional endeavors, ensuring your efforts are both profitable and pleasing to Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with your hands raised, facing the Qiblah if possible. Visualize the meaning of each part: asking for knowledge that benefits you and others, provision that is pure and lawful, and deeds that are accepted by Allah. Repeat it consistently, especially when facing decisions that require ethical consideration or when you feel a need for increased sincerity in your work.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she asked for a comprehensive dua, encapsulates the essence of a righteous believer's request in their worldly pursuits. Seeking 'beneficial knowledge' (`ilman naafi'an`) ensures that your understanding and application of business principles are sound and lead to good outcomes. Asking for 'good provision' (`rizqan tayyiban`) means seeking earnings that are lawful (`halal`), wholesome, and free from doubt or unlawful means. Finally, requesting 'acceptable deeds' (`'amalan mutaqabbalan`) is crucial, as it is only Allah who accepts our actions. This means striving to perform our work with the best intentions, with sincerity (`ikhlas`), and in accordance with His commands, thereby ensuring our efforts in business contribute positively to society and earn Allah's pleasure.
Source & Authentication
Umm Sulaim said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me some words that I may say in my prayer.' He said: 'Glorify Allah and praise Him with His remembrance for thirty-three times each, and complete that hundred times by saying: "La ilaha ill-Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir." (There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.)' And when he sat to pray (i.e., for the Tashahhud), that would be the utterances that would complete one hundred. And Umm Sulaim asked him: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me words that I may say when I ask about the worldly affairs of the earth.' He said: 'O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision and acceptable deeds.'