اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, sustenance that is pure, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This beautiful supplication is perfect to recite before you begin studying for your exams, or right before you enter the exam hall. It's a way of centering yourself and asking Allah for the best in all aspects of your endeavor – clarity of mind for knowledge, ease in provision (which can include understanding and focus), and acceptance of your efforts.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus. Raise your hands if you can, as is the etiquette for supplication. Imagine the knowledge flowing into your mind and the confusion dissipating. Believe in Allah's ability to grant you what you ask for. You can also repeat it multiple times.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by our Mother Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, covers a vast scope of good. Asking for beneficial knowledge is directly relevant to exams. Seeking pure sustenance is a reminder that our efforts should be in permissible ways. Requesting accepted deeds ensures our hard work is pleasing to Allah. By asking for these three things, you're essentially asking for Allah's barakah (blessing) in your academic pursuits and in your life.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that 'Aishah said: "When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) started praying, he would say: 'O Allah, Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the seven heavens and the Great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of all things, the One Who causes the seed-grain to split and sprout, the One Who revealed the Tawrah, the Injeel and the Qur'an, I seek refuge in You from the evil of all that You have control of. O Allah, You are Al-Awwal, so there is nothing before You, and You are Al-Akhir, so there is nothing after You. You are Az-Zahir, so there is nothing above You, and You are Al-Batin, so there is nothing nearer than You. Grant us freedom from debt and enrich us from poverty.' And when he bowed, he would say: 'Subhana Rabbiyal-Adheem (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great).' And when he raised his head from bowing, he would say: 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him).' Then he would say: 'Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Our Lord, and to You be praise).' And when he prostrated, he would say: 'Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).' And when he raised his head from prostration, he would say: 'Allahumma ighfir li warhamni, wajburni, wahdini, warzuqni (O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, console me, guide me, and provide for me).' And when he stood for the second rak'ah, he would say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan (O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, sustenance that is pure, and deeds that are accepted).' When he finished the prayer, he would say: 'Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaik (Glory be to You, O Allah, and by Your praise. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and I turn to You in repentance).' And he would sometimes say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka burda al-muminin wa jannata al-na'im (O Allah, I ask You for the garment of the believers and the paradise of delight).'