اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilma
When to Read
This dua is perfect to recite at the beginning or end of a gathering focused on Islamic history. It's especially beneficial when listening to lectures, discussions, or when reflecting on the lessons learned. Reciting it before or after studying historical texts will also bring great benefit, seeking Allah's guidance in understanding and applying the knowledge.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands slightly if possible, as is the custom when making supplication. Utter it with humility and a heartfelt plea to Allah. It can be recited individually or collectively by the participants of the gathering.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encapsulates seeking beneficial knowledge and its practical application. By asking Allah to benefit us from what He has taught, we acknowledge that true benefit comes from Him alone. Asking Him to teach us what benefits us highlights our need for His divine guidance in discerning useful knowledge from that which is not. The final request, 'and increase me in knowledge,' is a plea for continuous growth, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. This is particularly relevant for gatherings dedicated to Islamic history, where the aim is to draw lessons, inspiration, and guidance from the past to enrich our present and future.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said: ‘O son of Adam, do not be weak in My sustenance and do not turn away from My desire. O son of Adam, remember Me when you are pleased, and I will remember you when you are displeased. O son of Adam, remember Me when you are in need and when you are far away, and I will remember you when you are close. O son of Adam, remember Me when you are in comfort, and I will remember you when you are in hardship. O son of Adam, learn to remember Me with the knowledge of what has been revealed to Me, and I will teach you what is hidden. O son of Adam, do not forget Me and I will not forget you. O son of Adam, do not try to satisfy anyone by displeasing Me, for if you satisfy anyone by displeasing Me, then I will be displeased with you. O son of Adam, what you have learned of knowledge that benefits you, then act upon it, and if you do not act upon it, then it is a proof against you. O son of Adam, if you learn knowledge for the sake of something other than Allah, or you intend by it something other than Allah, then do not be content with what you have learned, for if you learn knowledge for the sake of Allah, then it is a proof for you. O son of Adam, remember Me with the remembrance of the obedient, and do not remember Me with the remembrance of the heedless. O son of Adam, do not let your desires distract you from My remembrance, nor let your evil inclinations make you heedless of Me. O son of Adam, learn to remember Me with the knowledge of what has been revealed to Me, and I will teach you what is hidden. O son of Adam, if you gain wealth, do not rejoice excessively, and if you are afflicted with poverty, do not despair. O son of Adam, have patience with what has been decreed for you, and you will be among the righteous. O son of Adam, do not be greedy for what is with people, and you will be among the contented. O son of Adam, ask Me for what you need, and do not ask for it from anyone other than Me. O son of Adam, you will not reach harm from which you can protect yourself, nor benefit which you can bring yourself, except by My will. So remember Me with the remembrance of the obedient servant, and do not remember Me with the remembrance of the heedless. O son of Adam, learn to remember Me with the knowledge of what has been revealed to Me, and I will teach you what is hidden. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah says: ‘O son of Adam, learn to remember Me with the knowledge of what has been revealed to Me, and I will teach you what is hidden.’ And he said: ‘Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilma.’ [O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.]'