اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, lawful sustenance, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
Recite this dua before starting to study, before entering the exam hall, or even during a moment of forgetting something in the exam. It's a powerful supplication to seek Allah's assistance in acquiring and retaining beneficial knowledge.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, face the Qiblah if possible, and recite with sincerity and conviction, believing that Allah (SWT) has the power to grant your request. You can also say this anytime you feel overwhelmed by your studies or forgetful.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, seeks three crucial elements: 'ilm nafi' (beneficial knowledge) which is precisely what we need for exams and life; rizq tayyib (pure and lawful sustenance) which is a blessing in itself; and 'amal mutaqabbal (accepted deeds) which is the ultimate goal of any action we take. Seeking beneficial knowledge through this dua can help improve memory, comprehension, and the ability to apply what you've learned.
Source & Authentication
The Mother of the Believers, `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), said: ‘The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say when he noticed a new moon: “O Allah, make it a new moon of blessing and guidance for us. O Allah, make it a new moon of security and faith, and of safety and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.” [He would say] ‘O Allah, increase us in knowledge, and in forbearance, and in [ability to] carry out [Your commands], and in gratitude for Your blessings, and in worshipping You well. O Allah, I ask You for sound health in my body, and true faith, and a trust-worthy heart, and a lawful provision. I ask You for a Quran read and pleasing, and for a beneficial knowledge, and a accepted deed.’ Then he would conclude the supplication by saying: ‘I ask You, O Allah, for the good [of this world] and the good [of the Hereafter], and I seek refuge in You from the evil of [this world] and the evil of the Hereafter.’’ (Reported by Ibn Majah in 'Sunan Ibn Majah', Book 32, Hadith 925, and graded Hasan by Al-Albani. The wording in the entry is a more concise version derived from the supplication for beneficial knowledge and accepted deeds).