اَللّٰهُمَّ فَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ وَعَلِّمْهُ التَّأْوِيلَ
O Allah, grant him understanding in religion and teach him the interpretation (of the Quran).
Allahumma faqquh-hu fid-deen wa 'allim-hut-ta'weel
When to Read
This is a profound supplication that can be made for a child from infancy. It's particularly poignant during pregnancy when making dua for your unborn child, or after birth as you begin to nurture their faith. It's a beautiful prayer to repeat regularly, especially when teaching your child about Allah and His Deen.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a hopeful heart, directing your intention towards the child's spiritual growth. You can say it as a standalone supplication, or incorporate it into your daily prayers. Gently touching the child's forehead or chest while making the dua can add a personal, loving touch, reminding them of the connection you wish them to have with Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, specifically taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to a young Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), is a powerful prayer for bestowing deep religious understanding. The 'understanding in religion' encompasses not just knowledge, but the wisdom to implement it, and 'teaching the interpretation' implies a grasp of the Quran's deeper meanings. Cultivating Tawhid (Allah's Oneness) is the bedrock of Islam, and praying for this foundational understanding in our children ensures their faith is built on the strongest possible base.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) embraced me and said, "O Allah, teach him wisdom." I said to him (the Prophet): "O Allah's Messenger! I will relate to you eloquent poetry composed by my grandfather, 'Abd al-Muttalib." The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "(Yes) and perhaps you will be told by Allah through your tongue instead of the poetry." Ibn 'Abbas used to say: "The Prophet (ﷺ) embraced me and said, 'O Allah, teach him wisdom.'" (This is the translation of the dua related in the title, from another narration of the same hadith: Allahumma faqquh-hu fid-deen wa 'allim-hut-ta'weel, which means 'O Allah, grant him understanding in religion and teach him the interpretation.')