اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْنِي الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِسَابَ وَفَهِّمْنِي الْحُكْمَ وَزَكِّنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي الشِّعْرَ وَالْفِقْهَ وَالْعُلُومَ.
O Allah, teach me the Book and the calculation, and grant me understanding of judgment, and purify me, and teach me poetry, and jurisprudence, and the sciences.
Allahumma 'allimni al-kitaba wal-hisaba wa fahhimni al-hukma wa zakkinī, wa 'allimni ash-shi'ra wal-fiqha wal-'ulūm.
When to Read
This is a powerful supplication to recite at any time, especially when seeking knowledge, embarking on studies, or aspiring for innovation and progress in any field, whether it be religious sciences, worldly knowledge, or creative arts. Make it a regular part of your personal duas, particularly after Salah, or during the night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each word. Raise your hands as is customary when making dua, facing the Qiblah if possible. Ensure you are in a state of purity (Wudu). Reflect on your desire for the Ummah to excel and be at the forefront of beneficial knowledge and skills.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a comprehensive request for a broad spectrum of understanding and skill. By asking for 'the Book' (Al-Kitab, referring to the Quran and its understanding) and 'the calculation' (Al-Hisab, encompassing mathematics, accounting, and perhaps even worldly reckoning), the Prophet ﷺ indicated the importance of both divine revelation and practical, analytical skills. Seeking 'understanding of judgment' (Al-Hukm) implies wisdom and sound decision-making. The purification ('zakkinī') is crucial, asking Allah to purify our intentions and our work. The inclusion of 'poetry' (Ash-Shi'r) and 'jurisprudence' (Al-Fiqh) highlights the value of eloquence, creative expression, and deep understanding of Islamic law, while 'the sciences' (Al-'Ulūm) encompasses all other beneficial fields of knowledge. Making this dua with earnestness can lead to Allah bestowing clarity, wisdom, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world through learning and innovation, benefiting the entire Ummah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: 'Abdullah bin 'Amr said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught 'Abdullah bin 'Amr a Du'a to recite at night and upon going to bed: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from ignorance and ignorance-doing, and from injustice and injustice-doing.' He also taught him: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness, and from cowardice and miserliness, and from the torment of the grave.' 'Abdullah bin 'Amr also said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not omit these words when he prayed. He also said: 'O Allah, teach me the Book and the calculation, and grant me understanding of judgment, and purify me, and teach me poetry, and jurisprudence, and the sciences.'" Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 15, Hadith 3418.