اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is profoundly relevant when you witness others achieving success, whether in their careers, personal lives, or spiritual endeavors, and you find yourself feeling a sense of lack or impatience. Reciting it after Fajr prayer, as recommended in the hadith, helps set a positive and God-conscious tone for the day, framing your perspective towards all that unfolds, including the successes of others and your own circumstances.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart after the Fajr (dawn) prayer. Raise your hands as you do so, a practice of supplicating to Allah. Focus on the meaning of the words: seeking knowledge that benefits you, sustenance that is pure and lawful, and deeds that are accepted by Allah. This shifts your focus from comparing yourself to others to seeking Allah's blessings in your own life, fostering contentment and gratitude.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his wife Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she asked him what to say when fearing harm, offers immense benefits. By asking for beneficial knowledge, you gain wisdom to understand Allah's decree and the wisdom behind others' successes. Seeking goodly provision cultivates gratitude and reliance on Allah, reducing envy. Requesting acceptable deeds redirects your energy towards self-improvement and pleasing Allah, which is the ultimate goal. Reciting it regularly can transform feelings of inadequacy or envy into contentment, strengthening your trust in Allah's timing and plan for you.
Source & Authentication
The narration states that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) to say this dua after the Fajr prayer: 'O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is useful, and provision that is pure, and deeds that are accepted.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 925 - Sahih by some scholars, though Sahih Muslim 735 is the primary reference for the phrasing of the dua itself after Fajr). The context is seeking Allah's blessings and guidance for the entire day, which naturally includes navigating one's feelings about worldly successes.