اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is perfect for the beginning of any meeting, gathering, or project, especially when you are bringing together people for a noble cause. Recite it before commencing discussions, planning, or any work, asking Allah to bless the efforts and intentions of everyone present. It's a beautiful way to imbue the gathering with spiritual purpose from the outset.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible, with sincerity and conviction. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Then, recite this comprehensive dua, focusing your heart on seeking Allah's help and acceptance for the collective endeavor. It's best to say it clearly, ensuring all participants can hear and feel the shared intention.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates three essential pillars for success in any endeavor, especially one involving collaborative good work: 1. **Beneficial Knowledge ('Ilman Nafi'an):** This refers to knowledge that leads to righteous action and brings one closer to Allah. For a gathering of helpers, it means gaining understanding that allows them to work effectively and in accordance with Islamic principles. 2. **Goodly Provision (Rizqan Tayyiban):** This encompasses not just material sustenance but also purity in how it's earned and used. It ensures that the resources supporting the cause are blessed and ethically obtained. 3. **Acceptable Deeds ('Amalan Mutaqabbalan):** This is the ultimate goal – that Allah accepts the efforts and work done for His sake. This is crucial for any volunteer or helper, as the reward is in Allah's acceptance. Reciting this at the start of a group effort is asking Allah to grant the group the wisdom to plan well, the pure means to execute their plans, and the ultimate reward of acceptance for their work.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say, upon waking up at night: 'Allahumma lakal-hamd, Anta qayyimus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinna. Wa lakal-hamd, laka mulkus-samawati wal-ardi wa man fihinna. Wa lakal-hamd, Anta nurus-samawati wal-ardi. Wa lakal-hamd, Antal-Haqq, wa wa'duka al-Haqq, wa liqa'uka Haqq, wa qawluka al-Haqq, wal-jannatu Haqq, wan-naru Haqq, wan-nabiyyuna Haqq, wa Muhammadun ﷺ Haqq, was-sa'atu Haqq. Allahumma laka aslamtu, wa bika amantu, wa 'alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu, wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu. Aghfirli ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma 'alantu, Antal-Muqaddimu wa Antal-Mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta (or La ilaha ghayruka). Wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.' And in another narration: 'He used to supplicate: Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.'