اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
Allahumma-nfa'ni bima 'allamtani wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni wa zidni 'ilma.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when recited during Tahajjud, the voluntary night prayer. The stillness of the night, when the world is asleep and distractions are minimal, is a sacred time for sincere supplication and seeking closeness to Allah. Recite it after you have offered your prayers, as you are in a state of deep contemplation and seeking divine guidance.
How to Read
With sincerity and a humble heart, raise your hands in supplication after your Tahajjud prayer. Focus on the meaning of the words, truly desiring the knowledge that benefits both this life and the hereafter. Believe that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, will bestow upon you what is best. Make sure your prayer is accompanied by action; seek out knowledge, study diligently, and reflect on what you learn.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking knowledge is a highly virtuous act in Islam, considered a form of worship. This dua directly asks Allah for beneficial knowledge, which is a key to understanding His creation, His commands, and how to live a purposeful life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge, stating that whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise (Sahih Muslim 2699). This dua, when recited in the blessed hours of Tahajjud, amplifies our request to Allah, asking Him to not only grant us knowledge but also to make it beneficial, ensuring it leads us to His pleasure.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Majah narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: 'O Allah, benefit me by what You have taught me, teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.'