اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me from 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 dua is potent when recited after completing a session of Quran memorization, or at the start of a study period. It's particularly effective when you feel your memory is struggling or you're seeking deeper understanding alongside memorization. Make it a habit after Fajr prayer, for instance, as the morning hours are often blessed with clarity.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Raise your hands if possible, a sign of earnest supplication to Allah. Understand that 'knowledge' here encompasses beneficial religious knowledge, and most importantly, the Quran itself. It's not just about rote memorization, but about retaining and acting upon Allah's words. Visualize the knowledge entering your heart and mind as you speak the words.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, encapsulates the essence of seeking beneficial knowledge. By asking Allah to benefit us from what we know, we seek divine help in applying it. Asking to be taught what benefits us highlights the importance of purposeful learning. Finally, asking for an increase in knowledge is a prayer for deeper wisdom and retention, directly applicable to memorizing the Quran effectively. It acknowledges that true understanding and retention come only from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ himself exemplified this, constantly seeking more knowledge from Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.'