اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, and 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 perfect to recite before beginning to teach, deliver a lecture, write an article, or even start a study session. It's also beneficial when you feel a need to reflect on the purpose and impact of the knowledge you possess and aim to share. Recite it when you're preparing to impart knowledge, whether to a large group or a single individual, to ensure that the knowledge shared is beneficial and that you yourself are continually learning.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention to benefit yourself and others through knowledge. It’s best recited after the obligatory prayers or at the start of any endeavor related to teaching or learning. Raising your hands slightly can be a good gesture of supplication, and it should be said with a hopeful heart, trusting in Allah's ability to grant your request. Reflect on the meaning of the words as you say them, asking Allah to make the knowledge He has given you useful and to grant you more of what is beneficial.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for three crucial things for anyone involved in sharing knowledge: 1. **Benefit from existing knowledge:** 'O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me.' This seeks to make the knowledge we already possess practical and impactful. 2. **Acquire beneficial knowledge:** 'and teach me that which will benefit me.' This is a request for new knowledge that is truly useful in this life and the Hereafter. 3. **Increase in knowledge:** 'and increase me in knowledge.' This emphasizes the continuous pursuit of learning, understanding that knowledge is vast and we should always strive to grow. By seeking these, we pray that our efforts in teaching and sharing knowledge will be divinely guided, effective, and pleasing to Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: 'O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 3833, graded Hasan by scholars)