اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْنِي الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِسَابَ، وَأَلْهِمْنِي رُشْدِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَانْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, teach me the Book (the Quran) and the reckoning (wisdom/understanding), and inspire me with guidance, and teach me what benefits me, and benefit me by what You have taught me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma 'allimni al-kitaba wal-hisaba, wa alhimni rushdi, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wanfa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa zidni 'ilma
When to Read
This beautiful dua is perfect for anyone seeking to understand and connect diverse pieces of knowledge. Recite it when you are embarking on a new learning endeavor, studying different subjects, or feeling overwhelmed by information. It's particularly beneficial when you're trying to see the 'bigger picture' or how different fields of study interconnect, a skill essential for true understanding and application.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Imagine the knowledge you seek flowing into your mind. Raise your hands in supplication as you do. It is a direct request to Allah, the Ultimate Teacher, so approach Him with humility and certainty that He can grant you the wisdom to connect disparate fields of knowledge. Consider reciting it regularly before or during your study sessions.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a comprehensive request for beneficial knowledge and the ability to use it. It asks for: 1. Understanding of the Quran ('the Book'). 2. Wisdom and practical application ('the reckoning'). 3. Divine guidance. 4. Knowledge that is beneficial, not just theoretical. 5. The ability to benefit from the knowledge already acquired. 6. An increase in knowledge. By asking for these things, we are essentially asking for the ability to synthesize information, draw connections between different disciplines, and use that integrated knowledge effectively for our benefit in this life and the Hereafter. This cultivates a deeper, more holistic understanding.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach them, "Allahumma 'allimni al-kitaba wal-hisaba" (O Allah, teach me the Book and the reckoning), and he would keep saying it. And Allah taught him the Book and the reckoning. It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "O Allah, teach me guidance and protect me from the evil of my soul, and forgive my sins, and inspire me with my direction, and teach me what is in the Book (the Quran)." And he said: "O Allah, grant me understanding of the Book, and the reckoning, and inspire me with my right path, and teach me what benefits me, and benefit me by what You have taught me, and increase me in knowledge." (This is a slightly different wording found in some versions but the essence is the same).