اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْمًا
O Allah, my Lord, increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma Rabbi zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This is a beautiful and concise dua that can be recited anytime, but it holds special significance when seeking knowledge on a blessed day like Friday. Imagine yourself preparing for a study session, or perhaps after praying Fajr on a Friday morning. You can also make this dua before starting any learning activity, whether it's reading a book, attending a lecture, or even during a class. The intention is to seek Allah's guidance and blessing in acquiring beneficial knowledge.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and focus. Raise your hands (optional, but part of the Sunnah for many duas). Begin by acknowledging Allah as your Lord, 'Rabbi'. Then, directly ask for the increase in knowledge, 'zidni 'ilman'. It's best to recite it with a clear mind, understanding that true knowledge comes from Allah alone. Repeating it a few times can help solidify the intention and feeling behind the supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
The primary benefit of this dua is directly asking Allah for an increase in beneficial knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself would make this supplication. In our pursuit of understanding Islam, our careers, or any other field, this dua invokes Allah's help to make the learning process smoother and more fruitful. On Friday, a day when Allah's blessings are amplified, seeking an increase in knowledge can be particularly rewarding. Beneficial knowledge is a means of drawing closer to Allah and benefiting oneself and others.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say when he woke up in the morning: 'O Allah, Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the Throne, our Lord and the Lord of everything, the One who splits the grain and the seed, the Revealer of the Tawrah, the Injeel and the Furqan, I seek refuge in You from the evil of every evil whose forelock is in Your grasp. O Allah, You are the First, there is nothing before You. You are the Last, there is nothing after You. You are the Apparent, there is nothing above You. You are the Hidden, there is nothing below You. Remove our debt and enrich us from poverty.' And when he woke up, he would say: 'O Allah, increase me in knowledge.'