اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure provision, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often recite upon waking for night prayer (Tahajjud). It's most fitting to say it right before you begin your night worship, or immediately after you finish, as you conclude your personal supplication.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention, raising your hands as you would for other personal supplications. Reflect on each part: asking for knowledge that benefits the heart and mind, provision that is lawful and pleasing, and actions that meet Allah's standard of acceptance. The essence of 'ihsan' (excellence) in worship is to worship Allah as if you see Him; if you cannot see Him, then know that He sees you. This dua encapsulates seeking the inner and outer perfection of your deeds.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is profound because it asks for three pillars of a righteous life: beneficial knowledge, which guides us; pure sustenance, which strengthens us; and accepted deeds, which bring us closer to Allah. Acceptance of deeds, especially during the blessed hours of night worship, is the ultimate goal. It signifies that our efforts have met the divine standard, earning Allah's pleasure and reward. The Prophet's ﷺ habit of making this dua upon waking for Tahajjud highlights its connection to striving for excellence and seeking acceptance in our most dedicated acts of worship.
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) stood for prayer at night, he would start with Takbir and say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min kurbi al-dunya wa kurbi yawm al-qiyamah'. Then he would say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan'. (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the distress of this world and the distress of the Day of Resurrection. O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure provision, and deeds that are accepted.)