اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْنِي الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِسَابَ
O Allah, grant me understanding of the Book and of calculation (i.e., knowledge and wisdom).
*Allahumma 'allimni al-kitaba wal-hisab*
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when embarking on new studies, delving into complex subjects, or preparing for examinations, especially those requiring deep analytical thinking and comprehension. It can be recited at any time, but it is most potent when uttered with sincere intention and focus, perhaps before commencing your study session or upon facing a difficult concept.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere supplication, raising your hands if possible, and facing the Qiblah. Ensure you are in a state of purity (Wudu). Visualize the knowledge you seek and feel the earnest desire for Allah's assistance. Repeat it a few times for emphasis.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking knowledge is a highly praised act in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever takes a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.' (Sahih Muslim 2699). This specific dua invokes Allah's aid in grasping both textual knowledge (the Book, referring to the Quran and Sunnah, but also any book of wisdom) and the ability to reason and calculate (al-hisab), which can be extended to understanding the intricate workings of the universe and scientific principles. It is a request for divine illumination and mental clarity.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ taught 'Umar the following supplication for the night: 'O Allah, guide me amongst those whom You have guided, and preserve me amongst those whom You have preserved, and make me their successor, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily, You decree and none can decree against You, and verily, he is not humiliated whom You have befriended. Blessed art You, O our Lord, and Exalted.' (And the narrator Ibn 'Abbas mentioned that the Prophet taught him this supplication): 'O Allah, grant me understanding of the Book and of calculation.'