اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when you find yourself facing a personal ethical dilemma and need clarity. Reciting it during your Tahajjud (night prayer) is highly recommended. The stillness of the night and the act of dedicating yourself to Allah in prayer create a powerful atmosphere for seeking His wisdom and guidance. After your voluntary prayers during Tahajjud, before the adhan for Fajr, is an opportune time to make this supplication, asking Allah to grant you the understanding to discern right from wrong.
How to Read
This dua is a supplication that can be made with sincerity and a humble heart. Raise your hands as you would during prayer, facing the Qiblah if possible, and recite it with deep reflection. Understand the meaning of each part: asking for knowledge that benefits, provision that is pure and lawful, and deeds that are accepted by Allah. Believe that He will respond to your sincere plea. While this specific dua is excellent, the essence is seeking guidance, so feel free to add personal prayers in your own words, asking Allah to illuminate the correct path for your specific situation.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's guidance during Tahajjud is a profound way to navigate life's challenges. By asking for 'beneficial knowledge' ( 'ilman nafi'an), you are asking Allah to grant you the wisdom to understand the ethical implications of your choices. 'Good provision' (rizqan tayyiban) encompasses not just material wealth but also blessings in health, family, and well-being, which are essential for a stable life from which to make sound decisions. Asking for 'acceptable deeds' ( 'amalan mutaqabbalan) ensures that your actions align with Allah's pleasure, which is the ultimate goal. The act of performing Tahajjud itself is highly virtuous, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadan is Allah’s month of Muharram, and the best of prayer after the prescribed prayers is the night prayer (Tahajjud).' (Sahih Muslim 1163). Making dua during the blessed hours of the night, especially the last third of the night, is a time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and says, 'Who is calling on Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me, so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758).
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains. Allah says, 'Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me, so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?'" Sahih al-Bukhari 1145. Also, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The best of fasting after Ramadan is Allah’s month of Muharram, and the best of prayer after the prescribed prayers is the night prayer (Tahajjud)." Sahih Muslim 1163.