اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is particularly powerful to recite at the beginning of any learning endeavor. Whether you're starting a new course, preparing for an exam, or simply opening a book to study, invoking Allah's help sets a blessed intention. Reciting it each morning after Fajr prayer can also imbue your entire day with the pursuit of knowledge.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and a clear intention to seek knowledge for the sake of Allah. Imagine the knowledge you seek being a means to please Him, to benefit yourself and others, and to act upon it. Raise your hands as you normally would for supplication, focusing on each word and its meaning. It's a beautiful practice to make this a regular part of your routine, just like the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encapsulates the essence of a balanced pursuit of knowledge. Asking for 'beneficial knowledge' ('ilman nafi'an) means seeking knowledge that leads to righteous action and benefits the individual and the community, rather than knowledge that puffs up or leads astray. 'Good provision' (rizqan tayyiban) ensures that the sustenance you receive is pure and lawful, which is vital for a student's well-being and acceptance of their efforts. Finally, 'accepted deeds' ('amalan mutaqabbalan) is the ultimate goal – that your efforts in seeking knowledge, and all other actions, are accepted by Allah. This holistic approach fosters patience because you are relying on Allah for all aspects of your journey, making the challenges of learning feel less burdensome when you know you are supported.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say when morning came: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan' (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds). And when evening came, he would say the like of that. Sahih Muslim 783. This hadith is also recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3849, with a similar wording.