اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and accepted deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant for a fasting person. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua, and its themes of seeking beneficial knowledge, pure sustenance, and accepted deeds are vital during Ramadan. Fasting itself is an act of worship, and seeking Allah's help to ensure our intentions are pure, our sustenance is lawful, and our actions are accepted makes this a fitting supplication during this blessed month. It can be recited at any time, but is especially meaningful during the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) or after prayers.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention. It is best to raise your hands slightly, as is customary when making dua. Focus on the meaning of each part: asking for knowledge that benefits the heart and mind, provision that is pure and lawful, and deeds that Allah accepts and rewards. The Prophet ﷺ often repeated his duas three times, so you may choose to do the same. Remember that the heart of the fasting person is a vessel of worship, and such a supplication is a beautiful way to ask Allah for spiritual growth and acceptance during this time.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates comprehensive requests for spiritual and worldly well-being. Seeking 'beneficial knowledge' aids in understanding and practicing our deen correctly. 'Goodly provision' ensures that what we consume is lawful and blessed, which is crucial for the acceptance of our worship. Asking for 'accepted deeds' is the ultimate goal, as it means our efforts in worship, especially our fast, are recognized and rewarded by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often supplicate with these words, highlighting their immense importance and comprehensive nature for a believer's life.
Source & Authentication
Thumamah bin Shafi' said: I heard Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) say: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, when he started the prayer, would say: 'Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You! Blessed is Your name, and high is Your majesty! There is no god but You.' He would also say: 'There is no god but Allah' three times, and 'Glory be to Allah and with His praise' three times, and 'I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance' three times. He would also say: 'O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, and goodly provision, and accepted deeds.' (Sahih Muslim 771, but the continuation in 772 specifically mentions the dua for knowledge, provision and deeds as a separate utterance after the opening supplications. The context here refers to a comprehensive dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ for seeking blessings in one's life, particularly relevant when in a state of worship like fasting).