اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ. رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered. My Lord, increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yashsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'. Rabbizidni 'ilma.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you feel stuck in your studies, unable to grasp a concept, or facing mental blocks. Recite it before beginning your learning session, or whenever you feel your mind is unfocused or unreceptive to new information. It’s also beneficial when you feel your efforts in seeking knowledge aren't yielding the desired results.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, directing your plea to Allah alone. Raise your hands as you do for other supplications. Reflect on the meaning of each part, acknowledging your need for Allah's help in overcoming intellectual barriers. After reciting the first part, especially the plea for knowledge that benefits, earnestly ask Allah, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge,' visualizing your mind opening up to understanding.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication encompasses seeking protection from several detrimental states. By asking for refuge from 'knowledge that does not benefit,' we are essentially asking Allah to grant us beneficial knowledge – knowledge that leads to good deeds, strengthens our faith, and allows us to understand His creation and commands better. This directly combats intellectual stagnation. The plea for a heart that does not fear Allah and a soul that is never satisfied touches upon the root of many human failings that can hinder learning. Finally, asking for an answered prayer underscores our reliance on Allah for all our needs, including intellectual breakthroughs. The concluding phrase, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge,' is a direct Quranic request (Ta-ha 20:114), echoing the Prophet's (peace be upon him) own supplication and the ultimate goal of seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a prayer that is not answered.' And he would say: 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge.' (Reported by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i, authenticated as Hasan by Al-Albani).