اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي, وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي, وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me from what You have taught me, teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma anfa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you are embarking on a new learning endeavor, sitting down to study, or feeling a lack of understanding in a particular subject. It can be recited at any time, but is especially fitting after Fardh (obligatory) prayers or during the night, times when supplication is known to be readily accepted by Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a present heart, focusing on your intention to learn for the sake of Allah and to benefit yourself and others. Raising your hands in supplication, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a beautiful way to express your earnest need for Allah's guidance and knowledge. Ensure you understand the meaning of the words as you speak them.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking knowledge is a highly encouraged act in Islam, considered a form of worship. This dua directly asks Allah for two crucial aspects: beneficial knowledge and an increase in that knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself made this supplication, demonstrating its importance. Allah promises reward for those who seek His way and knowledge, as He says, 'And whoever goes out from his house to seek knowledge, [he is] in the cause of Allah until he returns' (Tirmidhi 2648, graded Sahih by Al-Albani). This dua helps purify our intentions, ensuring our pursuit of knowledge is for the right reasons and truly beneficial.
Source & Authentication
The hadith narration where this dua is mentioned is: Ibn Majah narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Seek in Allah's name the knowledge that benefits' and he mentioned the hadith of Musa (Moses) and Al-Khidr. Then he said: 'And the best of knowledge is the Book of Allah, and the best of wealth is the remembrance of Allah, and the best of deeds is that which is beneficial.' Then he said: 'Allah, teach me beneficial knowledge.' And it was narrated that he said: 'O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.'