اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا.
O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful provision instead of Your unlawful provision, and enrich me with Your bounty so that I may not need anyone other than You. Teach me what benefits me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahummakfini bihalalika 'an haramika, wa aghnini bifadlika 'amman siwaka, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilma.
When to Read
This powerful supplication can be recited before, during, or after exams. It's particularly beneficial when you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply wish to imbue your efforts with a higher purpose. Consider making it part of your routine in the days leading up to exams, and again just before you begin.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as you would for any other supplication. Focus on the meaning of each phrase: seeking Allah's sufficiency, His independent wealth, knowledge that truly benefits you in this life and the next, and an increase in beneficial knowledge. Visualize Allah bestowing these blessings upon you as you speak.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a profound request. By asking Allah to suffice us with lawful provision, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and seek protection from unlawful means of gain, including cheating or unethical shortcuts in our studies. The request to be enriched by His bounty deters reliance on others and fosters contentment. Most importantly, asking Allah to 'teach me what benefits me, and increase me in knowledge' transforms the act of studying from a mundane task into a spiritual pursuit. It invokes divine assistance in acquiring knowledge that not only serves our worldly goals but also brings us closer to our Creator and aids in our spiritual purification. This perspective helps us view exams not just as tests of memory, but as opportunities for growth, both intellectually and spiritually.
Source & Authentication
The hadith is narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: A Mukaatab (a slave who has made a contract with his master to free himself for a sum of money) came to him and said: 'I am unable to pay my manumission money, so help me.' Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'Shall I not teach you words that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught you, and which would be useful to you if you had a debt like that of Najd? (The narrator, Ibn 'Uthman, said: 'meaning debt') You should say: Allahummakfini bihalalika 'an haramika, wa aghnini bifadlika 'amman siwaka, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilma. (O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful provision instead of Your unlawful provision, and enrich me with Your bounty so that I may not need anyone other than You. Teach me what benefits me, and increase me in knowledge.)' So if you have a debt like this, then say it.'