اللَّهُمَّ آتِنِي الْحِكْمَةَ وَالْفِقْهَ، وَعَلِّمْنِي التَّأْوِيلَ
O Allah, grant me wisdom and understanding, and teach me the interpretation (of things).
Allahumma ati-ni al-hikmata wal-figha, wa 'allimni at-ta'wil
When to Read
This dua is excellent to recite when you find yourself in a position where you need to offer advice, make a significant decision, or understand complex matters. It's particularly fitting before engaging in consultations, giving counsel to family or friends, or undertaking any task that requires sound judgment and insight. Making it a habit can help you develop the character of giving good counsel.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention to seek Allah's guidance in understanding and advising. Raise your hands as you would for any supplication. Focus on the meaning of the words, asking Allah to bestow upon you the ability to discern truth, understand situations deeply, and offer counsel that is pleasing to Him. It can be recited at any time, but is especially potent during the blessed times, such as after prayers, during the night, or on Fridays.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking this dua equips you with wisdom (Hikmah), which is the ability to discern right from wrong and act accordingly. It also asks for understanding (Fiqh), which in this context refers to a deep comprehension of matters, not just religious knowledge. Teaching the 'interpretation' (Ta'wil) implies gaining the ability to understand the deeper meanings of events, revelations, and people's situations, enabling you to provide counsel that is both wise and helpful. Developing such a character makes one a valuable member of the community, someone people can turn to for sound advice.
Source & Authentication
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I spent a night at the home of Maymunah (may Allah be pleased with her), and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was with her. I stayed in the part of the house that was occupied by the Prophet (peace be upon him), and slept along its length. I then slept in the middle of the night. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) woke up, and I woke up with him. He went to a waterskin that was hanging, and performed ablution, and I heard the sound of the water. He performed ablution, and I heard him say: 'Allahumma ati-ni al-hikmata wal-figha, wa 'allimni at-ta'wil' (O Allah, grant me wisdom and understanding, and teach me the interpretation). Then he prayed. So I got up and performed ablution, and went to stand by his left side. He pulled me to his right side, and prayed. He prayed thirteen rak'ahs. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) finished his prayer, he lay down until I heard his breath, or his snoring.