اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, make beneficial for me what You have taught me, teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma infa'nī bimā 'allamtani, wa 'allimnī mā yanfa'uni, wa zidnī 'ilman
When to Read
This is a profound supplication to recite before embarking on any learning endeavor, whether studying for exams, seeking knowledge in religious or worldly matters, or even during moments of reflection when you feel a block in understanding. Say it before you open a book, attend a lecture, or start a task requiring deep thought. It's particularly potent when you're struggling to grasp a concept or feel your mind is not as sharp as it could be.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each word. Raise your hands in supplication as you would for any other dua. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Utter the words clearly and with a humble heart, truly seeking Allah's divine assistance. It's best recited when you are in a state of wudu (ablution), but if that's not possible, it can still be recited.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for three crucial things for intellectual growth: the benefit of existing knowledge, the acquisition of beneficial knowledge, and an increase in knowledge itself. By asking for beneficial knowledge, we are essentially asking for knowledge that leads us closer to Allah and helps us in this life and the hereafter. This supplication fosters intellectual humility, acknowledging that true understanding comes only from our Creator. It can help clear mental fog, sharpen one's intuition, and open doors to insights that might otherwise remain hidden. It aligns with the Quranic call to reflect and seek knowledge, asking Allah to grant us the capacity to do so effectively.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah bin Masud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'There is no envy except for two men: a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a man whom Allah has given wisdom and he judges by it and teaches it.' Ibn Majah added in a separate narration: 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said: 'The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate: **Allahumma infa'nī bimā 'allamtani, wa 'allimnī mā yanfa'uni, wa zidnī 'ilman.** (O Allah, make beneficial for me what You have taught me, teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.)'