اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma anfa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
Exams are often a test of not just what we know, but how well we can recall, understand, and apply that knowledge under pressure. This profound dua, taught by the Prophet ﷺ, is perfect for those moments. Recite it before you begin studying, to ask Allah to make your learning truly beneficial. Say it before walking into an exam hall, seeking clarity of thought and the ability to articulate what you've learned. It's also a beautiful daily supplication to make at any time you are seeking deeper understanding, whether you're reading a book, attending a lecture, or reflecting on the Quran.
How to Read
Like all duas, this supplication is most effective when recited with sincerity, a clear heart, and firm conviction in Allah's power. Make sure you are in a state of wudu if possible, and face the qibla. Raise your hands as the Prophet ﷺ used to do when making dua, a posture of humility and asking. Take a moment to reflect on the meaning of each phrase: You are asking Allah to make the knowledge you already possess truly beneficial (easy to recall and use), to teach you *more* knowledge that will benefit you, and to simply increase you in all good knowledge. This isn't just rote memorization; it's a heartfelt plea to the All-Knower.
Virtues & Benefits
When we ask Allah for 'beneficial knowledge' (إِلْمًا نَافِعًا), we're seeking knowledge that not only increases our understanding of the world and our deen, but also guides us to good actions and brings us closer to Him. The Prophet ﷺ himself sought refuge from knowledge that does not benefit (Sahih Muslim 2722). This dua directly addresses that by asking Allah to make what we know *useful* – whether in an exam, in understanding our faith, or in navigating life's challenges. By reciting this dua, you are following a sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, aligning your intention with his blessed practice. It cultivates humility, reminds us that all knowledge comes from Allah, and opens doors to deeper wisdom and success, both in this world and the Hereafter. It is an acknowledgment that true success in applying knowledge doesn't just come from our own intellect, but from Allah's aid and blessing.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that it was among the supplications of the Prophet ﷺ: "O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge. All praise is due to Allah in every circumstance." — Sunan Ibn Majah 251