اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure sustenance, and accepted deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is particularly powerful when recited after the Fajr prayer, as it sets the intention for the day. During Ramadan, it can serve as a constant reminder to seek excellence in all our actions, especially our worship. We can make this a habit during suhoor, after Fajr prayer, or any time during the day when we feel the need to refocus our intentions on pleasing Allah with our deeds.
How to Read
Recite with sincere intention, focusing on the meaning of each request. Raise your hands as you would in supplication. Believe in Allah's ability to grant your requests. This dua is about cultivating a state of mindfulness and excellence, so internalize its message as you utter the words. It's a request for quality in our worship, not just quantity.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses three vital aspects of a believer's life: beneficial knowledge that guides us, pure sustenance that nourishes us and is pleasing to Allah, and accepted deeds that form the core of our worship. When fasting, seeking accepted deeds is paramount. We aim to perfect our fast, making it more than just abstaining from food and drink, but a spiritual journey of excellence. As the Prophet ﷺ taught, 'Deeds are only by intentions' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1), this dua helps purify our intentions for our fast to be accepted.
Source & Authentication
The Hadith is narrated as Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reporting that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to invoke Allah after finishing his prayer saying: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.' (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure sustenance, and accepted deeds). This specific invocation is often recited after the obligatory prayers, but its spirit of seeking excellence in knowledge, provision, and actions is applicable at all times, especially during a blessed month like Ramadan.