اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلالِكَ عَنْ حَرامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِواكَ
O Allah, suffice me with what You have made lawful, instead of what You have made unlawful, and enrich me by Your grace, so that I may not need help from anyone other than You.
Allahumma-kfini bihalalika 'an haramika, wa aghnini bifadlika 'amman siwak.
When to Read
This dua is incredibly relevant when facing examinations or any situation where your efforts need to be recognized and justly assessed. Recite it sincerely before entering the examination hall, or even just before you begin answering the questions. It’s also beneficial to recite it during the period of preparation, asking Allah to grant you understanding and the means to succeed.
How to Read
Recite this dua with full conviction (yaqin) in Allah's support. Raise your hands as you make dua, if possible, and face the Qiblah. Focus on the meaning of the words, envisioning Allah's sufficiency and generosity. It’s a plea for lawful provision and freedom from need, which extends to academic success being earned through permissible means and recognized fairly.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his uncle Al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), is a comprehensive request. It asks Allah to shield us from seeking unlawful means of sustenance or success, and instead to provide for us through His lawful bounty. In the context of exams, it means asking Allah to grant you success through honest effort, to make your knowledge apparent, and to ensure the examiner recognizes your true understanding, rather than facing unfair judgment or overlooking your hard work. It encompasses seeking Allah's sufficiency in all matters, including academic endeavors.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him): A Mukaatab (a slave who has made a contract to purchase his freedom) came to him and said: 'I am unable to pay my $(1500)$ dirhams, so help me.' Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'Shall I not teach you words that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught you? And if you have a debt like the mountain of Dabar, Allah will pay it for you. Say: O Allah, suffice me with what You have made lawful instead of what You have made unlawful, and enrich me by Your grace, so that I may not need help from anyone other than You.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3563). This narration through Ali (RA) is Hasan Ghareeb. The words are indeed taught by the Prophet ﷺ.