اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and deeds accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is perfect for reciting before starting your exams, or at any point during your preparation. It encompasses seeking knowledge that is beneficial (which exam knowledge should be, when applied correctly), sustenance that is pure, and most importantly, deeds that are accepted by Allah. By asking for accepted deeds, we are implicitly asking for Allah to make our efforts, including our exam answers, a source of pleasure for Him, which can, by His grace, lead to forgiveness.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity, focusing on the meaning of each word. Raise your hands if possible and make a heartfelt supplication. Visualize the knowledge you are acquiring and the effort you are putting in as something that will be pleasing to Allah. Understand that the acceptance of deeds is solely in Allah's hands, and this dua is a humble request for His acceptance.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is comprehensive, asking for three fundamental pillars of a Muslim's life: beneficial knowledge, which illuminates the mind and guides actions; pure sustenance, which nourishes the body and soul; and accepted deeds, which are the ultimate goal. When our deeds are accepted, they become a source of reward and can potentially expiate our sins. By framing our exam efforts within the context of seeking accepted deeds, we hope that Allah will not only grant us success in our exams but also purify us through this struggle, making it a cause for forgiveness.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say, upon concluding his morning prayer: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.' (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and deeds accepted.) — Sunan Ibn Majah 925. While this hadith specifically mentions reciting it after the morning prayer, the essence of the dua – seeking beneficial knowledge and accepted deeds – is applicable anytime, especially when striving for knowledge through academic pursuits like exams.