اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is excellent to recite at the beginning of your journey, or whenever you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by new cultural experiences. It's a powerful way to seek Allah's guidance in understanding the world around you, rather than just observing it passively. Recite it before engaging in new social interactions, exploring unfamiliar places, or when encountering customs that differ significantly from your own.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Imagine the words flowing from your soul, seeking Allah's vast wisdom. It's best to raise your hands in supplication, as is the Sunnah when making dua, and face the Qiblah if possible. Remember that sincere intention and conviction in Allah's ability to answer are key.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, encapsulates three crucial elements for navigating life's challenges, especially when encountering new environments. Beneficial knowledge ('ilman nafi'an) equips you to understand the nuances of different cultures, fostering empathy and avoiding misinterpretations. Goodly provision (rizqan tayyiban) ensures that your sustenance is lawful and pure, which is vital when traveling and potentially facing different economic systems. Finally, acceptable deeds ('amalan mutaqabbalan) encourages you to act in ways that are pleasing to Allah, even in unfamiliar settings, helping you maintain your Islamic identity while respecting local customs. By seeking these three things, we ask Allah to bless our experiences and allow us to grow positively.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, benefit me from what You have taught me and teach me the beneficial knowledge and increase me in knowledge.' He also said: 'O Allah, to You I ascribe! Do not entrust me to myself for the twinkling of an eye and make me independent of all people, and grant me a healthy life, and a good death, and make me happy in this life and the Hereafter.' He also said: 'O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds.' (Sahih Muslim 743)