اللَّهُمَّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is perfect for reciting anytime you embark on seeking knowledge, whether it's opening a book, attending a lecture, or even just contemplating Allah's creation. It's particularly poignant when feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of knowledge or when seeking clarity and deeper understanding in your studies. Make it a habit before starting any learning endeavor.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity, visualizing Allah bestowing His knowledge upon you. Understand that true knowledge is a gift from Him. Approach learning with humility and a pure intention to benefit yourself, your family, and the wider community. Cultivating a habit of reciting this, perhaps after every prayer or at the start of your day, can make a significant difference in how you absorb and benefit from what you learn.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking an increase in knowledge is not just about academic or worldly gain. It's a path to deeper Iman (faith) and closer proximity to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself supplicated for more knowledge, as this dua indicates. Gaining beneficial knowledge allows us to better understand Allah's signs, worship Him correctly, and fulfill our responsibilities. The Quran itself praises those who have knowledge: 'Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember who possess intellect.' (Az-Zumar 39:9). By asking Allah to increase us in knowledge, we ask for the means to be closer to Him and to live a more purposeful life.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say when he was a young man: 'O Allah, teach him the Book (the Quran).' Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, teach him wisdom.' And in a narration of Zuhri: 'O Allah, make him understand the religion and teach him the interpretation.' It was narrated that Ibn Abbas said: 'The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, increase him in knowledge of the religion.' (This hadith is Hasan) [Note: The provided hadith in the source collection is slightly different but the principle of seeking increased religious knowledge is consistent. The standalone dua 'Allahumma zidni 'ilman' is a direct supplication for increased knowledge, and its practice is strongly supported by the general Islamic emphasis on seeking knowledge and the Prophet's own supplications.]