اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْهُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ، وَفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ، وَسَلِّمْهُ مِنَ الْفِتَنِ
O Allah, teach him the Book and wisdom, and make him understand the religion, and protect him from trials.
Allahumma 'allimhu al-kitaba wal-hikmata, wa faqqihhu fid-dini, wa sallimhu minal-fitani
When to Read
This powerful dua is specifically attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he supplicated for Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). We can recite it for our own children or those under our care, especially when we wish for them to develop a deep understanding and love for Islamic knowledge. It is particularly relevant when they begin their formal Islamic education, or when they show initial interest in learning about their deen.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and conviction, believing in Allah's power to grant it. You can raise your hands in supplication as the Prophet ﷺ did. It's beneficial to recite it after obligatory prayers, during the last third of the night, or during times when duas are readily accepted. Seeing your child’s genuine engagement with learning should also be a prompt to make this dua for them.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses several profound requests. Teaching the 'Book' refers to the Quran and its understanding, while 'wisdom' encompasses the Sunnah and practical application of knowledge. 'Making them understand the religion' signifies attaining true comprehension, not just rote memorization. Finally, seeking protection 'from trials' is crucial, as knowledge can sometimes be a source of trial if not grounded in sincere intention and practice. This supplication helps nurture a righteous scholar who benefits themselves and the ummah.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) embraced me and said: 'O Allah, teach him wisdom.' It was said to Ibn Abbas: 'And teach him the Book (Al-Kitab)?' He said: 'This is better than the Book.' (Another version): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): 'O uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not favour you, shall I not make you comfortable?' He said: 'Yes, O Messenger of Allah.' He said: 'Invoke Allah that He may fill your heart with wisdom.' He said: 'O Allah, teach him wisdom.' And it was narrated from him that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, teach him the Book and the wisdom and make him understand the religion and protect him from the deviations of the affairs.'