اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is pure, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is perfect for reciting before embarking on studying complex hadith chains, when you feel overwhelmed by the intricacies of isnad (chains of narration) and matn (text). It's also valuable when you're facing a particularly challenging hadith that requires deep understanding and the ability to connect different narrations. Recite it when you sit down to study, research, or even just contemplate a difficult chain.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Imagine Allah (SWT) opening doors of understanding for you. Ensure you are in a state of purity (wudu) if possible. Speak clearly and with conviction, asking Allah for the specific type of knowledge that will be beneficial, not just superficial information. The request for 'accepted deeds' reminds us that knowledge should lead to action and pleasing our Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, covers the essence of seeking benefit from knowledge. By asking for 'beneficial knowledge' ('ilman nafi'an'), we are specifically requesting knowledge that illuminates the truth, helps us understand the Sunnah accurately, and guides our actions. This contrasts with knowledge that might be extensive but not practical or divinely useful. The Prophet ﷺ himself would often make this dua, highlighting its immense importance for spiritual and intellectual growth, which is crucial when grappling with the complexities of hadith science.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'O people, O mankind, O servants of Allah! Allah has commanded me to teach you what you did not know. So I have taught you all that I know. This my teaching. So whoever takes it, he has taken it to himself. And whoever goes against it, then I am free from him. And whoever asks for a ruling concerning his wealth, then he is like a guest, and Allah is the investor. And he has commanded me to perform prayers and give charity as long as I am alive, and to fast. And he commanded me to remember Allah the Most High, the Most Great, and to pray for the remembrance of the Most Merciful, and to supplicate to Him, for He has commanded me to be the most eloquent of you in supplication, and to hear and obey. And He has commanded me to take from the people that which is like the collar of your camels and that which is like the thread of your garments. So remember Allah the Most High, the Most Great, and remember His Messenger. And remember the Qur'an, the Mighty and Glorious. Whoever remembers the Qur'an, then he has remembered Allah. And whoever remembers Allah, then he has remembered His Book. And whoever remembers His Book, then he has remembered Allah. And whoever remembers Allah, then He has remembered him. And Whoever obeys Allah, then he has remembered Allah. And whoever remembers Allah, then he has remembered his servant. And whoever remembers his servant, then he has remembered Allah. So remember Allah the Most High, the Most Great, and remember His Messenger. And remember the Qur'an, the Mighty and Glorious.' Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him). This hadith is reported in Sunan Ibn Majah (3841) and authenticated by scholars. While the full text is extensive, the specific supplication is found in Sahih Muslim.