اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma-nf'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is perfect for reciting before you begin studying any text, especially ancient Islamic scriptures, books of Fiqh, Tafsir, Hadith, or Aqeedah. When you're faced with complex passages or intricate details, invoking this supplication can help clear your mind and open your heart to understanding.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with the intention of seeking Allah's guidance and benefit from your studies. Raise your hands slightly as you do so, as is customary when making dua. Focus on the meaning of the words, asking Allah to make your learning fruitful and to grant you knowledge that truly serves you in this life and the next. It's best recited before opening the book or starting your study session.
Virtues & Benefits
This profound dua encapsulates a learner's humble request for divine assistance. By asking Allah to benefit from existing knowledge ('inf'ni bima 'allamtani'), we acknowledge His grace. Then, by asking to be taught what is beneficial (''allimni ma yanfa'uni'), we seek knowledge that is practical and pleasing to Him. Finally, the request to increase in knowledge ('wa zidni 'ilman') shows our ambition for continuous growth in understanding the Deen. It’s a holistic approach to acquiring knowledge that is both spiritually and intellectually enriching, seeking not just information, but wisdom and divine enablement.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say when he woke up at night: 'La ilaha illallahu wahiduhul la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir. Subhanallahi wal hamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar. Wa la haula wa la quwwata illa billahil 'aliyyil 'adhim. Allahumma-ghfir li (or Allahumma-gfir li dhunubi) wa 'allimni al-hukma wa-rzuqni al-hikmata. Rabbi zidni 'ilman.' (Translation of the relevant part): 'O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.' This hadith, though longer, contains the core of our dua, highlighting its importance in seeking beneficial knowledge.