اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أسألُكَ عِلْمًا نافِعًا، ورِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This beautiful dua is particularly potent when recited during the profound stillness of the night prayer (Tahajjud). When you're facing a significant crossroads or a decision that weighs heavily on your mind, waking up in the latter part of the night to pray and then making this supplication can bring immense peace and clarity. The very act of sacrificing sleep for worship shows your sincerity and reliance on Allah.
How to Read
Begin your Tahajjud prayer with the intention of seeking Allah's guidance. After you have completed your prayer, perhaps after the witr prayer, raise your hands and recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each request: asking for knowledge that benefits you in this life and the next, asking for pure and lawful provision, and asking for deeds that are accepted by Allah. Visualize your difficult decision being placed before Allah as you make your supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
While this specific dua focuses on beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds, its recitation during Tahajjud is linked to seeking Allah's help in all matters, including decision-making. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that the time of Tahajjud is a blessed time, as Allah descends to the lowest heaven, offering to answer prayers and grant requests. The act of waking for Tahajjud itself is a way of purifying one's intention and drawing closer to Allah, which naturally leads to seeking His wisdom and guidance for all aspects of life, including difficult decisions. The Prophet ﷺ also said: 'Our Lord descends every night to the nearest heaven when two-thirds of the night have passed and says: 'Is there anyone to call upon Me, so that I may answer him? Is there anyone to ask of Me, so that I may give him? Is there anyone to ask for forgiveness from Me, so that I may forgive him?' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758).
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, when he finished his Subh (Fajr) prayer, 'O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, sustenance that is good and deeds that are accepted.' (This phrasing is common in many narrations, but the core request for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds is consistently found. The context of asking Allah for these things is emphasized, and doing so during blessed times like after Fajr or during Tahajjud amplifies the potential for acceptance).