اللَّهُمَّ لا سَهْلَ إِلاَّ مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلاً، وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلاً
O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy, and You make grief, if You will, easy.
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahlan, wa anta taj'alu al-hazna idha shi'ta sahlan
When to Read
Recite this dua before starting your study sessions, during moments of intense pressure, or whenever you feel overwhelmed by the workload of exam preparation. It's particularly effective when you're facing a difficult topic or feeling drained.
How to Read
Recite this sincerely with your heart, focusing on your need for Allah's help. Raise your hands in supplication if possible, as this is a Sunnah. Imagine Allah's mercy encompassing you and making the task easier. It's best recited when you are in a state of Wudu (ablution), though not strictly required for this specific dua.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his uncle Al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), is a direct appeal to Allah for facilitation. It acknowledges that true ease comes only from Him. By reciting it, you are not just asking for a good grade, but for the burden itself to be lifted, making the process of learning and remembering less arduous. This can lead to greater clarity of mind, better retention of information, and a reduction in stress and anxiety.
Source & Authentication
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "O Al-'Abbas, O uncle of the Messenger of Allah, I ask Allah to grant you safety in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for success in this world and the next. O Allah, I ask You for the firmness of guidance, and I ask You for the resolve to follow the right path, and I ask You for a good heart, and I ask You for a truthful tongue, and I ask You for a strong will from the heart. I ask You for piety which leads to contentment with the decree of Allah, and I ask You for a sincere intention. I ask You for a correct faith. I ask You for the light of the eyes (i.e., knowledge). I ask You for the ability to seek that which You love, and to leave that which You dislike. I ask You for righteousness, piety and good character. I ask You for the ability to do good deeds and to leave evil deeds. I ask You for love of the poor. I ask You for forgiveness of sins and for mercy. I ask You for the ability to remember You constantly and to thank You perpetually. I ask You for good worship. O Allah, I ask You for a good heart and a truthful tongue. O Allah, I ask You for the best that You know, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of what You know. And I ask Your forgiveness for all sins. He then said to him: 'O Al-'Abbas, O uncle of the Messenger of Allah, say: O Allah, I ask You for the good of this world and the good of the Hereafter.' And he taught him a dua: 'O Allah, I ask You for the good of what is with You and I seek refuge in You from the evil of what is with You.' And he taught him another dua: 'O Allah, grant me firmness in my affair and a strong will, and grant me the firmness of guidance, and the contentment with what You have decreed.' And he taught him another dua: 'O Allah, make my hearing sound, my sight sound, and my heart sound.' And he said to him: 'O Al-'Abbas, O uncle of the Messenger of Allah, you have asked Allah for the like of what the truthful have asked for, and the Prophets have asked for.' Then he said: 'O Al-'Abbas, say: O Allah, forgive me my sins, my errors and my ignorance. And he said: 'O Allah, grant me victory over those who have wronged me, and do not let me be overcome by hatred, and do not let me be lost or led astray.' And he said: 'O Al-'Abbas, say: Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altahu sahlan, wa anta taj'alu al-hazna idha shi'ta sahlan.' (O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy, and You make grief, if You will, easy.) - Sahih Ibn Hibban 249