اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, for lawful provision, and for deeds that are accepted.
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, during the exam if you feel stuck, and especially after completing your exams while awaiting results. It's a comprehensive supplication for success in endeavors that require effort and reliance on Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, visualizing the outcome you hope for. Raise your hands in supplication as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us, and face the Qiblah if possible. Speak to Allah as if you are seeing Him, knowing that He sees you. Acknowledge your effort but place your ultimate trust in Allah's plan and decree.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encapsulates seeking beneficial knowledge, which is crucial for exams. It also asks for lawful provision and accepted deeds, acknowledging that success in this life and the hereafter is tied to Allah's blessings. Seeking accepted deeds includes seeking that our efforts (like studying) are rewarded by Allah. This dua, narrated by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), reflects the Prophet's ﷺ comprehensive approach to seeking good in all aspects of life.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) used to say, after the dawn prayer, 'O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, for provision that is pure, and for deeds that are accepted.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 925, graded Hasan by scholars). The context here is a general supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ for his mornings, but its comprehensiveness makes it suitable for times of seeking success, like exams, by asking for the core components of good outcomes: knowledge, provision, and acceptance of effort.