اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is ideally recited before starting your studies, or just before entering the examination hall. It can also be recited during moments of difficulty or confusion while answering questions, asking Allah to grant you clarity and understanding.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Raise your hands as you normally would for supplication. Ensure you are in a state of purity if possible, though it's not strictly a condition for this general dua. Trust in Allah and do your best with the preparation.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua covers three essential aspects of a Muslim's life: beneficial knowledge ('ilman nafi'an), pure sustenance (rizqan tayyiban), and deeds that are accepted by Allah ('amalan mutaqabbalan). When seeking knowledge, asking for beneficial knowledge is key – knowledge that guides you, benefits you, and increases your fear of Allah. This is directly relevant to understanding exam questions, as true understanding is a gift from Allah. This hadith highlights the holistic nature of seeking from Allah, encompassing both worldly and otherworldly success.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say, after the dawn prayer: 'O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, good provision, and deeds that are accepted.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 925). While the specific context of the hadith is after Fajr prayer, the essence of the dua is for asking Allah for these important things, making it applicable at other times, especially when seeking understanding and success in endeavors like exams.