اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure provision, and deeds accepted [by You].
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is excellent to recite before starting your exams, or at any point when you are studying or preparing for them. It’s also fitting to say it as you begin to answer your exam questions, asking Allah to make your efforts beneficial not just for your worldly success but also for your hereafter.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands if possible. Imagine the knowledge you are seeking being imprinted in your mind and the effort you are putting in being accepted by Allah. Focus on the meaning of each word as you utter it, seeking Allah's blessings for a useful outcome.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, covers three essential aspects of a believer's life: beneficial knowledge ('ilman naafi'an), pure provision (rizqan tayyiban), and accepted deeds ('amalan mutaqabbalan). While the hadith doesn't directly link exam answers to forgiveness, seeking beneficial knowledge is a noble pursuit. When our actions are driven by seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah and used in ways that please Him, they can indeed become a means of drawing closer to Him and potentially seeking His forgiveness. By striving for knowledge that is useful and acting upon it with sincerity, we align ourselves with the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ, making our entire journey, including our academic pursuits, a form of worship and a path to His mercy.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'No one asked Allah for anything by reciting the words: O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure provision, and deeds accepted, except that He granted him what he asked for.' — Sunan Ibn Majah 3841 (Sahih)