اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْهُ الْحِكْمَةَ وَتَأْوِيلَ الْكِتَابِ
O Allah, teach him wisdom and the interpretation of the Book.
Allahumma 'allimhul-hikmata wa ta'wilal-kitab
When to Read
This profound dua, made by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for Abdullah ibn Abbas, serves as a powerful model for our own supplications. While it's not a general daily recitation, we reflect on it when making dua for deep understanding of Islam, for ourselves, our children, or any Muslim seeking true wisdom and insight into the Quran and Sunnah. It’s particularly meaningful to supplicate with its spirit when embarking on a journey of Islamic learning.
How to Read
This is a historical dua, not a prescribed ritual. To 'read' it means to internalize its message and make similar, heartfelt duas. When you pray for knowledge, approach Allah with humility and a sincere desire for wisdom. Ask Him to open your heart and mind, granting you understanding of the religion and insight into the interpretation of His Book, just as the Prophet ﷺ prayed for Ibn Abbas. Focus on the meaning and the profound request for divine guidance in knowledge.
Virtues & Benefits
The blessings reaped by Abdullah ibn Abbas from this Prophetic dua are a luminous testament to its power. He rose to become one of the most knowledgeable companions, famously known as *Tarjuman al-Quran* (The Interpreter of the Quran) and *Hibr al-Ummah* (The Scholar of the Nation). His unparalleled grasp of tafsir (Quranic exegesis), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and the Arabic language allowed him to explain the Quran and Sunnah with profound clarity. This hadith teaches us that true wisdom and a deep understanding of Allah's revelation are direct gifts from Him, and seeking them through earnest dua is a Prophetic tradition. It encourages us to pray for such comprehensive and accurate comprehension of Islam for ourselves and for future generations.
Source & Authentication
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) embraced me and said: "O Allah, teach him wisdom and the interpretation of the Book." — Musnad Ahmad 2382 (Graded Sahih by Al-Albani)