اَللّٰهُمَّ انْفَعْنِىْ بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِىْ وَ عَلِّمْنِىْ مَا يَنْفَعُنِىْ وَ زِدْنِىْ عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, and teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma-nfa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is incredibly relevant when embarking on a new learning endeavor, particularly one that feels challenging or involves significant effort. Recite it before starting studies, after overcoming a difficult lesson, or when you feel the weight of striving for knowledge. It's a constant companion for anyone seeking to gain beneficial knowledge and ensure it positively impacts their life and the lives of others.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and a focused heart. Imagine the knowledge you are seeking, visualize its beneficial impact, and present your need for guidance and understanding to Allah. It can be recited any time, but is particularly poignant after fulfilling the obligatory prayers or during personal supplication times. Raise your hands as you make dua, as is customary.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua seeks three crucial things: gaining benefit from the knowledge already possessed, learning what will be truly useful, and an increase in knowledge. The 'benefit' (نفع - naf') is key; it ensures that the knowledge acquired isn't just information, but leads to positive action, deeper understanding, and spiritual growth. This is the essence of knowledge that Allah loves – knowledge that is practical, beneficial, and leads one closer to Him. It acknowledges that true learning is a continuous process, and we are always in need of Allah's guidance to acquire and apply it correctly. The blessing sought is not just in the acquisition of knowledge, but in its effective and righteous application, even when it has been hard-won.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'There is no envy except for two: a man whom Allah has taught the Qur'an, and he recites it throughout the night and throughout the day, and a man whom Allah has given wealth, and he spends it throughout the night and throughout the day (in the cause of Allah).' Then Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said: 'O Allah, teach me the Qur'an and grant me understanding of it.' And he said: 'O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, and teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.'