اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This is a powerful supplication to make before embarking on a new course of study, at the start of an academic year, or whenever you feel unsure about which academic or career path to pursue. Recite it with sincere intention before seeking advice, researching options, or making any decisions about your education.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Recite this dua with earnestness and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each word. After reciting, continue to make personal supplications related to your specific situation, asking Allah to guide you to the path that is best for your dunya and akhirah. Ensure your heart is present and that you are seeking Allah's help alone.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a direct request to Allah for three essential elements for success in this life and the next: beneficial knowledge ('ilman naafi'an), which leads to understanding and righteous action; good provision (rizqan tayyiban), which sustains you without bringing hardship or corruption; and accepted deeds ('amalan mutaqabbalan), which are the ultimate goal of our worship and strive for Allah's pleasure. By asking for these, you are aligning your educational pursuits with what is ultimately pleasing to Allah, seeking His blessing in your efforts, and ensuring that your learning contributes to your spiritual growth.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from an evil hour, from a bad companion, and from a mischievous beast. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a wicked neighbour, and from an evil eye. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what You have created. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the sting of the scorpion, and from the heat of the Fire. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from an evil of what You have created.' (Sahih Muslim 2708). Another relevant narration is: 'Aisha reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) never neglected these supplications when he was at Medina: 'O Allah, make me love Medina as You made us love Mecca, or even more. O Allah, make me healthy, and grant me hearing and sight. O Allah, make me love the angels, and make me love the one who loves Your Messenger, and make me love the one who hates them. O Allah, do not take me away whilst I am in them (i.e. Medina) in a state of dislike for them. O Allah, grant me the love of riding and increase my provision of food. O Allah, let me have my enjoyment in them (i.e. Medina). O Allah, grant me beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 3841). Note: The primary source listed (Sahih Muslim 753) refers to the general supplication for beneficial knowledge, provision, and accepted deeds made by the Prophet ﷺ. The narration from Ibn Majah provides fuller context of the Prophet's ﷺ comprehensive supplications.