اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma anfa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite after any Islamic lesson, when starting to study a new topic, or simply at the beginning of your day as you prepare to seek knowledge. It's particularly fitting when you feel a need for the knowledge you're acquiring to have a positive, transformative impact on your character and actions.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with full conviction in Allah's ability to grant you beneficial knowledge. It's best recited with a humble heart and a raised hand, preferably after completing an act of worship or learning. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase as you say it: acknowledging Allah's existing blessings, seeking His guidance to learn what truly matters, and asking for growth in understanding.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua focuses on the *practical application* and *purifying effect* of knowledge. It's not just about accumulating facts, but about seeking knowledge that leads to beneficial actions, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection with Allah. By asking Allah to 'benefit me with what You have taught me,' we acknowledge His grace. Asking Him to 'teach me that which will benefit me' shows our desire for knowledge that is truly useful in this life and the next. Finally, asking to 'increase me in knowledge' is a prayer for continuous growth, understanding that true wisdom is vast and endless.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to his companion Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him). The full narration states: Narrated Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him): We were in the company of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ one day when he put his hand on our shoulders and said: 'No servant possesses knowledge and acts upon it, and teaches it to others, but his knowledge will bring him the reward of one who acts upon it and teaches it to others. His teaching will be like a fountain of water flowing and giving water to drink. His knowledge will be like a well, so if he drinks from it, it will fill up.' Then he said: 'O Allah, grant me knowledge that benefits me, and teach me what benefits me, and increase me in knowledge.' So I said to him: 'O Messenger of Allah, how can we learn all of that?' He said: 'O 'Abdullah ibn Qartin, I have asked Allah for the like of that which I asked for myself.' (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 2, Hadith 3833) *Note: The name 'Abdullah ibn Qartin' appears in some versions of this hadith, though the core dua is widely attributed to the Prophet's ﷺ supplication for himself and his followers.*