اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, make useful for me what You have taught me, teach me that which will be useful for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This powerful dua is excellent to recite before starting any study session, whether it's diving into the rich tapestry of Islamic history, memorizing the Quran, or learning any aspect of our Deen. Recite it with sincere intention before you begin reading, listening, or discussing historical events, seeking Allah's guidance and benefit from the knowledge you acquire.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus. Raise your hands if you are making it privately, as it is a supplication. Ensure you understand the meaning and connect your heart to Allah, asking Him to make the knowledge beneficial and to increase your understanding. It can be recited once at the beginning of a study session or repeated.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses the essence of seeking beneficial knowledge. By asking Allah to make what we already know useful and to teach us what is beneficial, we are seeking more than just information; we are seeking wisdom and the ability to apply knowledge in a way that pleases Him. For Islamic history, this means understanding the lessons from the Seerah, the lives of the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them), and the rise and fall of civilizations under Islamic rule, allowing us to draw inspiration and guidance for our own lives and the present.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Masud: We were with the Prophet (peace be upon him) one day and he said: 'O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.' And one of us said: 'O Allah, increase me in wealth and good.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, increase him in guidance, forgive him, and protect him from misguidance.' And another said: 'I ask You for the Paradise that You have promised, and for safety from the hellfire.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, grant him the Paradise and keep him safe from the hellfire.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said: 'O Allah, benefit me from what You have taught me and teach me what is beneficial to me, and increase me in knowledge.' So I said: 'O Allah, teach me what is beneficial to me and increase me in knowledge.'