اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, make useful for me what You have taught me, teach me what is useful for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This beautiful dua is perfect to recite before you begin studying for your exams, or even right before you enter the exam hall. It's also beneficial to make it a habit to recite it after you've learned something new, not just for exams, but for any knowledge you wish to retain and benefit from.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, understanding that you are asking Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) for beneficial knowledge and the ability to retain and use it. It's recommended to raise your hands slightly while making this dua, as is the practice when asking Allah for something. Ensure you pronounce the Arabic words clearly, focusing on the meaning.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a holistic approach to seeking knowledge. It asks Allah to make the knowledge we already possess beneficial, to teach us what will truly serve us in this life and the next, and to continuously expand our understanding. By asking for beneficial knowledge, we're asking for that which brings us closer to Allah and helps us live according to His will. This directly aids in exams by not only improving recall but by fostering a deeper, more useful understanding of the material.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: 'Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman. Wa Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman. Wa Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman.' (O Allah, make useful for me what You have taught me, teach me what is useful for me, and increase me in knowledge. And O Allah, make useful for me what You have taught me, teach me what is useful for me, and increase me in knowledge. And O Allah, make useful for me what You have taught me, teach me what is useful for me, and increase me in knowledge.)