Dua for beneficial knowledge

It is recited before a lesson, reading, or exam preparation, or after learning, with the intention that knowledge be beneficial and increase.

This dua asks not only for an increase in knowledge but also for that knowledge to be beneficial and put into practice; it is a short and valuable dua that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) repeated regularly.

This dua is based on the Quran and hadith sources below.

• HadithJami at-Tirmidhi, 3599

  Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would ask to benefit from the knowledge he had learned, to learn beneficial knowledge, and for his knowledge to increase. The hadith is hasan.

• HadithSunan Ibn Majah, 251

  The same dua is also reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) in Sunan Ibn Majah.

Other duas connected to this topic.

• Dua for knowledge

  My Lord, increase me in knowledge.

• Dua for wisdom

  My Lord, grant me wisdom (knowledge and sound judgment) and join me with the righteous.

Common questions about this dua.

• Dua for beneficial knowledge: what are its Arabic, transliteration, and meaning?

  In Arabic it is recited as “Allahumma-nfa'ni bima allamtani, wa allimni ma yanfa'uni, wa zidni ilma” and it means “O Allah, benefit me through what You have taught me, teach me beneficial knowledge, and increase me in knowledge.” It is a hasan dua found in Jami at-Tirmidhi, 3599, and Sunan Ibn Majah, 251.

• When is this dua recited?

  It is recited before studying or preparing for an exam, or after learning, with the intention that knowledge be beneficial and increase.