اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure and lawful provision, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when embarking on a journey, especially to a place where you may be unfamiliar with the availability of halal and tayyib (pure, wholesome) food. Recite it before you begin your journey or upon arriving in a new place, as you start looking for sustenance. It's a beautiful way to invoke Allah's help in ensuring your provisions are lawful and pleasing to Him, which is crucial for the acceptance of your supplications and deeds.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands if possible, as is the practice during supplication. Focus on the meaning of each part: asking for knowledge that benefits, provision that is lawful and good, and deeds that are accepted by Allah. When traveling abroad, the concern for tayyib (lawful and pure) food is heightened, making this dua especially pertinent.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua covers three essential aspects of a believer's life. Asking for 'ilm naafi' (beneficial knowledge) helps us understand and practice our deen correctly. 'Rizqan tayyiban' (pure and lawful provision) ensures that our sustenance is earned and consumed in a manner pleasing to Allah, which is a vital component of our worship and well-being. 'Amalan mutaqabbalan' (accepted deeds) is the ultimate goal, as it means our efforts in pleasing Allah are acknowledged and rewarded. For a traveler, ensuring tayyib rizq is paramount, as improper food can affect one's spiritual state and the acceptance of prayers. This hadith was taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she asked him what to say when fearing the consequences of leaving her home for travel.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) traveled and went far away from Medina, I would hold his hand and he would say: 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He created.' (Sahih Muslim 2708). Another narration from Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) states that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught her this dua to recite in the morning and evening: 'O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure and lawful provision, and deeds that are accepted.' (Sahih Muslim 7:5090).