اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge. All praise is due to Allah in every circumstance.
Allahumman-fa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman. Alhamdu Lillahi 'ala kulli hal.
When to Read
While this comprehensive supplication for beneficial knowledge is not exclusively designated for the moment of waking, nor is its wording limited to 'recalling forgotten' knowledge, it is profoundly relevant for such a need. If you wake up with that frustrating feeling of an important piece of information, an insight, or a task having slipped your mind – perhaps from your studies, work, or even a spiritual reflection – this dua is an excellent way to seek Allah's aid. By asking Allah to 'benefit me with what You have taught me,' you are implicitly asking for the ability to recall and utilize that knowledge. Recite it anytime you feel a need for clarity, understanding, or improved retention, especially when experiencing a lapse in memory upon beginning your day.
How to Read
Approach this dua with sincerity and humility, acknowledging that all knowledge and the ability to recall it comes from Allah alone. You can recite it immediately upon waking, after performing the established sunnah duas for waking, or at any point during your day when you find yourself struggling to remember something important. There's no specific number of times to recite it; the key is heartfelt supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua cultivates a deep connection with Allah, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all knowledge and the One who grants the ability to retain and recall. The phrase 'benefit me with what You have taught me' directly encompasses the ability to retrieve and utilize previously acquired knowledge, even if it initially feels forgotten. It fosters a mindset of continuous seeking and gratitude for knowledge. The supplication for 'increase me in knowledge' opens doors for further learning and clearer understanding, naturally aiding in memory and recall. Concluding with 'All praise is due to Allah in every circumstance' reinforces reliance on Allah and gratitude, which can help calm the mind and improve focus, thereby enhancing your ability to remember what you seek.
Source & Authentication
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say: Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ Translation: "O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge. All praise is due to Allah in every circumstance." Transliteration: *Allahumman-fa'ni bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni 'ilman. Alhamdu Lillahi 'ala kulli hal.* Tirmidhi said: This hadith is Hasan. (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3599)