اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma infa'nii bima 'allamtanii, wa 'allimnii ma yanfa'unii, wa zidnii 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is perfect for anyone embarking on a new phase of learning Islamic knowledge, whether starting to study the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, or any other religious subject. Recite it at the beginning of your study session, or when you feel a lack of clarity or understanding. It's also excellent when you're starting a new book, a new course, or even just a new day of seeking knowledge. It signifies your intention to learn for the sake of Allah and to apply that knowledge effectively.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and conviction. Raise your hands, as is customary when making dua. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Then, recite this specific dua with a clear intention that Allah grants you beneficial knowledge and the ability to understand and implement it. It's recommended to be in a state of purity (wudu) if possible, and to face the Qiblah. Reflect on the meaning of the words as you say them.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua encapsulates the essence of seeking true, impactful knowledge. By asking Allah to 'benefit me with what You have taught me,' we acknowledge that knowledge is a gift from Him and seek its practical application in our lives. Asking Him to 'teach me what is beneficial' shows humility and reliance, recognizing that not all knowledge is necessarily good or useful for our deen or dunya. Finally, 'increase me in knowledge' is a constant striving for more understanding, aiming to draw closer to Allah through learning His creation and His commands. This dua helps to purify intentions and ensure that our pursuit of knowledge is focused on what will truly serve us in this life and the hereafter, aligning our learning with Allah's pleasure.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Majah narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave, and seek refuge in Allah from the trials of the Fire, and seek refuge in Allah from the trials of calamities. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the trial of the Fire and from the punishment of the Fire, and from the trial of the grave, and from the punishment of the grave, and from the evil of the trial of wealth, and from the evil of the trial of poverty. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of the trial of the Dajjal. O Allah, turn my heart firm upon Your religion. O Allah, grant me Your guidance and Your good fortune.' Then he mentioned a similar narration from Abu Hurairah, that the Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire, and he used to say: 'O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and richness.' And from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, teach me the Book.' And from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Verily, Allah does not withhold knowledge by snatching it away from the servants, but He withholds knowledge by taking away the scholars. When the last of the scholars are taken away, the people will take ignorant leaders. They will be asked and they will give fatwas without knowledge, so they will be astray and lead others astray.' The Prophet ﷺ also said: 'Allahumma infa'nii bima 'allamtanii, wa 'allimnii ma yanfa'unii, wa zidnii 'ilman.' (O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what is beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.)