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 nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is ideally recited after the obligatory prayers (Salah), as it was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It can also be made at any time one is seeking knowledge, especially when starting a new lesson, reading a book, or attending a lecture. It's particularly poignant when you feel overwhelmed by the vastness of knowledge, prompting a need for humility, or when you gain a new insight, sparking gratitude.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and presence of heart. Raise your hands in supplication if possible, as is the Sunnah when making dua. Focus on the meaning of each phrase: asking for knowledge that truly benefits, provision that is pure and lawful, and deeds that are pleasing to Allah. Imagine the knowledge you seek opening your heart to gratitude and lowering your ego in humility.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encapsulates a holistic request for spiritual and worldly well-being. Beneficial knowledge (ʿilman nāfiʿan) doesn't just increase information but guides one to act upon it, leading to a deeper understanding of Allah and His creation. This understanding naturally fosters humility, as the more one learns, the more they recognize Allah's infinite wisdom and their own limitations. Good provision (rizqan ṭayyiban) ensures that one's sustenance is lawful and blessed, which in turn supports righteous deeds. Accepted deeds (ʿamalan mutaqabbalan) are those performed sincerely for Allah's sake and in accordance with His commands, the ultimate goal of seeking knowledge. When knowledge leads to gratitude, we acknowledge Allah's blessings, big and small, further strengthening our connection to Him and reinforcing humility.
Source & Authentication
The narration states: 'The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say when the day dawned: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.' (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and deeds that are accepted.)' — Sunan Ibn Majah 925. This practice is also reported in Sahih Muslim, though with slightly different wording focusing on different requests.