اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا. سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure provision, and accepted deeds. Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan. Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk.
When to Read
This dua is a beautiful way to commence any gathering, particularly one where a shared purpose or collective action is being discussed or initiated. It's perfect for meetings, project kick-offs, community work sessions, or any assembly where you intend to achieve something meaningful together. Reciting it at the beginning sets a positive and productive tone, seeking Allah's blessings for the endeavor.
How to Read
Recite this dua at the very start of your gathering. It's best recited after finding a moment of stillness, perhaps after initial greetings. Raise your hands in supplication as you would during other duas. Focus on the sincerity of your heart, truly asking Allah for the success and acceptance of the purpose for which you have gathered. The closing part, 'Subhanaka Allahumma...', is often recited as a cleansing of the gathering itself, making it a powerful start.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua seeks three vital elements for any undertaking: knowledge that benefits others and oneself ('ilman naafi'an), provision that is lawful and good ('rizqan tayyiban), and actions that are accepted by Allah ('amalan mutaqabbalan). When recited at the start of a collective effort, it imbues the entire purpose with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and guidance. The latter part of the dua serves as a powerful expiation for any unintentional shortcomings or idle talk that might occur during the gathering, ensuring it leaves a positive spiritual mark. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to be recited at the end of every sitting (majlis), making it a perfect closing for a previous gathering and an excellent opening for a new one.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever sits in a gathering and is therefore left with much vain talk, and he says before standing up: Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk, it will be an expiation for whatever took place in that gathering.' [In another narration]: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever has sat in a gathering and has done many idle things therein and then said before standing up: Glorified are You, O Allah, and praised be You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance. Then that which was said in the gathering will be expiation for him.' [And in another narration]: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'If anyone sits in a company where there is much confusion and amusement, and before rising therefrom he recites: Glorified be Thou, O Allah, and praised be Thou, and praised be Thy Name, and blessed be Thy Name, and there is no god but Thou, he will be forgiven the sins committed in that company.' [A narration from Sunan Ibn Majah states]: The Prophet (ﷺ) never sat down in a place or stood up from it without supplicating to Allah in this way... and then he mentioned the dua: Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.