اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This powerful dua is ideally recited before you begin studying for your exams, or even just before you enter the exam hall. You can also make it a habit to recite it daily, especially in the mornings after Fajr prayer, asking Allah to bless your learning efforts.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as you do so. Focus on the meaning of the words and truly ask Allah for His assistance. You can recite it once or multiple times. It's also a good practice to follow this with asking specifically for the ability to retain what you've learned and to recall it easily during the exam.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is comprehensive. By asking for 'beneficial knowledge' ('ilman naafi'an), you are not just asking for information, but for knowledge that is useful, that brings you closer to Allah, and that benefits yourself and others. This directly addresses the need to retain and apply what you study. The request for 'good provision' and 'acceptable deeds' is also linked, as a sound spiritual and physical state can aid concentration and mental clarity. Allah's acceptance of our deeds is a goal in itself, and seeking His help in learning is certainly part of that.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say: 'O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.' (Sahih Muslim 732. Also found in Sunan Ibn Majah 3845, Sunan An-Nasa'i 3200)