اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, make beneficial for me what You have taught me, and teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma anfa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when recited in the evening, after fulfilling your prayers and before settling down for the night. It’s an excellent addition to your evening remembrance (adhkar), especially if you plan to dedicate time to studying the Quran or seeking deeper understanding of its meanings. The quiet of the evening often brings a sense of peace and focus, ideal for seeking Allah’s guidance in knowledge.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart, visualizing the knowledge of the Quran unfolding within you. Begin by making a sincere intention to learn and understand Allah's words for His sake. While there isn't a specific number mentioned for this particular supplication, reciting it once with deep concentration is far more effective than multiple times with a distracted mind. Make sure to pronounce the Arabic clearly, focusing on the meaning of each word.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encapsulates a holistic approach to seeking beneficial knowledge. By asking Allah to make what we already know useful, we acknowledge His grace in our existing understanding. Then, by asking Him to teach us what is beneficial, we seek divine guidance to acquire knowledge that truly matters, both in this life and the next. The final part, 'and increase me in knowledge,' is a direct request for growth, reflecting the Quranic emphasis on reflecting and pondering. This dua isn't just about accumulating facts; it's about seeking knowledge that leads to righteousness, wisdom, and a deeper connection with Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'There is no envy except for two: a man whom Allah has taught the Quran, so he recites it during the night and day, and a man whom Allah has given wealth, so he spends it during the night and day.' (Then the narrator recited:) 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.' (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.) This hadith emphasizes the virtue of seeking beneficial knowledge, and the dua provided in the main entry is a specific supplication related to seeking knowledge that was taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to himself. *Note: While the full hadith text above contains a related dua, the primary dua for this entry is a separate, though connected, supplication focusing on the acquisition and benefit of knowledge.*