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 be beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma infa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman
When to Read
This dua is perfect to recite at the very beginning of any new educational endeavor. Whether you're starting a new course, a new semester, a degree program, or even just a new book you wish to learn from, making this dua sets the intention. It's also excellent to repeat regularly, especially when facing challenging subjects or feeling a lack of progress in your studies.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a focused heart. Begin by acknowledging Allah's (SWT) power to bestow knowledge. Face the Qiblah if possible, raise your hands, and utter the words with clarity and earnestness. It’s beautiful to reflect on each part of the dua: asking for benefit from what you already know, asking to learn what is truly useful, and seeking an increase in beneficial knowledge itself.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encapsulates the very essence of seeking knowledge in Islam. It's not just about accumulating facts, but about acquiring knowledge that is beneficial in this life and the next. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this supplication to ensure our learning is guided by divine purpose. It helps in focusing the mind, removing obstacles to understanding, and seeking knowledge that leads to Taqwa (consciousness of Allah) and righteous action. The Hadith itself is graded Hasan, meaning it is a reliable narration.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: 'O Allah, benefit me from what You have taught me, and teach me that which will be beneficial for me, and increase me in knowledge.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 3833). This narration highlights the Prophet's ﷺ constant pursuit of beneficial knowledge and his reliance on Allah (SWT) for guidance and increase in understanding.