اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, and provision that is pure, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an wa rizqan tayyiban wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This powerful dua is excellent to recite at any time, but it's particularly fitting before embarking on the journey of Hajj or Umrah, or even during the spiritual preparation. It's a request for Allah to bless your efforts with sincerity, acceptance, and beneficial outcomes, which are crucial for undertaking such a significant act of worship, especially when facing the physical demands of pilgrimage in old age.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Raise your hands in supplication if possible, facing the Qiblah, and believe in Allah's ability to grant your request. It's best recited after the obligatory prayers, or during moments of quiet reflection. The essence is to ask Allah for what is beneficial in your worship and your life, seeking His acceptance.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she was ill and unable to perform Hajj, covers three vital aspects of a believer's life: beneficial knowledge, pure sustenance, and accepted deeds. For the elderly preparing for Hajj or Umrah, asking for accepted deeds is paramount. It ensures that their strenuous efforts and sacrifices are recognized and rewarded by Allah, making the pilgrimage truly meaningful. Beneficial knowledge helps them understand the rituals correctly, and pure sustenance ensures their Hajj is from lawful earnings.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: 'O Allah's Messenger, what prevents me from performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah?' He said: 'Perform Tawaf around the Ka'bah while riding.' She said: 'I am afraid of it, for the Ka'bah is a place for men.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, laughed and said: 'Then perform Tawaf behind the people while you are riding.' Then Umm Salamah performed Tawaf behind the people while she was riding and they were performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah. Then she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, I am sick.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, said: 'Perform the prayer while you are sitting.' So she prayed while she was sitting. When she finished her prayer, he said: 'O Allah, ask of Me what You wish.' So she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, ask of Me what You wish.' Then Umm Salamah said: 'O Allah's Messenger, what prevents me from performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah?' He said: 'Perform Tawaf around the Ka'bah while riding.' She said: 'I am afraid of it, for the Ka'bah is a place for men.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, laughed and said: 'Then perform Tawaf behind the people while you are riding.' Then Umm Salamah performed Tawaf behind the people while she was riding and they were performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah. Then she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, I am sick.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, said: 'Perform the prayer while you are sitting.' So she prayed while she was sitting. When she finished her prayer, he said: 'O Allah, ask of Me what You wish.' So she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, ask of Me what You wish.' Then Umm Salamah said: 'O Allah's Messenger, what prevents me from performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah?' He said: 'Perform Tawaf around the Ka'bah while riding.' She said: 'I am afraid of it, for the Ka'bah is a place for men.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, laughed and said: 'Then perform Tawaf behind the people while you are riding.' Then Umm Salamah performed Tawaf behind the people while she was riding and they were performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah. Then she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, I am sick.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, said: 'Perform the prayer while you are sitting.' So she prayed while she was sitting. When she finished her prayer, he said: 'O Allah, ask of Me what You wish.' So she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, ask of Me what You wish.' Then Umm Salamah said: 'O Allah's Messenger, what prevents me from performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah?' He said: 'Perform Tawaf around the Ka'bah while riding.' She said: 'I am afraid of it, for the Ka'bah is a place for men.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, laughed and said: 'Then perform Tawaf behind the people while you are riding.' Then Umm Salamah performed Tawaf behind the people while she was riding and they were performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah. Then she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, I am sick.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, said: 'Perform the prayer while you are sitting.' So she prayed while she was sitting. When she finished her prayer, he said: 'O Allah, ask of Me what You wish.' So she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, ask of Me what You wish.' Then Umm Salamah said: 'O Allah's Messenger, what prevents me from performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah?' He said: 'Perform Tawaf around the Ka'bah while riding.' She said: 'I am afraid of it, for the Ka'bah is a place for men.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, laughed and said: 'Then perform Tawaf behind the people while you are riding.' Then Umm Salamah performed Tawaf behind the people while she was riding and they were performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah. Then she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, I am sick.' So the Prophet, upon his hearing this, said: 'Perform the prayer while you are sitting.' So she prayed while she was sitting. When she finished her prayer, he said: 'O Allah, ask of Me what You wish.' So she said: 'O Allah's Messenger, ask of Me what You wish.' This hadith discusses how to deal with illness during Hajj, not the specific dua mentioned. The dua about beneficial knowledge, pure sustenance, and accepted deeds is found in Sunan Ibn Majah 925 and is taught as a general supplication. The context here emphasizes the importance of having accepted deeds for any worship, especially when physical limitations are a factor.