اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, make beneficial for me what You have taught me, teach me that which will be beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma anfa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
Recite this dua before you begin studying for a test, or right before you enter the examination hall. It's a powerful plea to Allah for the knowledge you've acquired to be useful and for Him to grant you more beneficial understanding.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and focus, understanding that true success and beneficial knowledge come from Allah. Raise your hands in supplication if possible, and make a genuine effort to retain what you've studied.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua specifically asks Allah to make the existing knowledge a source of benefit and to increase one's knowledge. This directly relates to the goal of performing well in tests – not just remembering facts, but understanding and recalling them effectively when needed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to seek knowledge that is beneficial, which includes the ability to recall and apply it.
Source & Authentication
The version cited is: 'It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Ask Allah for knowledge that is beneficial, and seek refuge in Allah from knowledge that is not beneficial." It was said to him: "How can we ask for knowledge that is beneficial?" He said: "Ask Allah for well-being in religious matters and in worldly matters, and ask Him for beneficial knowledge." Then he mentioned the following dua: "Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa'u." (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, and I seek refuge in You from knowledge that is not beneficial)." \[Sunan Ibn Majah 251]. The version used in the dua entry, "Allahumma anfa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilman" (O Allah, make beneficial for me what You have taught me, teach me that which will be beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge), is also widely attributed and prayed by scholars and students, often considered an elaboration or direct application of seeking beneficial knowledge.