اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provisions, and accepted deeds.
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 study sessions, especially when preparing for exams. You can also make it a habit to say it just before you enter the exam hall or before you begin answering your papers. Its comprehensive nature makes it suitable for seeking Allah's blessings at the outset of any endeavor requiring knowledge and effort.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with full concentration and conviction. Raise your hands as you would for other duas, facing the Qiblah if possible. Visualize Allah granting you understanding and ease in remembering what you have learned. It's best to recite it after obligatory prayers, but it can be recited at any appropriate time.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua encapsulates seeking three essential aspects of a fulfilling life in Islam: 'Ilman naafi'an' (beneficial knowledge) which helps you grow in understanding of deen and dunya, 'Rizqan tayyiban' (good provisions) which ensures sustenance that is pure and blessed, and 'Amalan mutaqabbalan' (accepted deeds) which means Allah accepts your acts of worship and good deeds. By asking for beneficial knowledge, you are directly seeking the ability to retain and utilize what you study, making your revision efforts fruitful and leading to success not just in exams, but in applying that knowledge in your life. The acceptance of deeds implies that your hard work and intentions are recognized and rewarded by Allah. This hadith, narrated by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), highlights the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ practice of reciting this upon finishing the Fajr prayer, indicating its significance at the start of the day's endeavors.
Source & Authentication
The Mother of the Believers, Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), said: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) finished his prayer of Fajr, he would say: 'O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, sustenance that is good and deeds that are accepted.'