Rabbi Zidni Ilma Dua Meaning

This dua is remarkably concise—just three words long. Even from the title of this piece, you may already have it memorized.

Revealed by Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Surah Ta-Ha (Verse 114), the full verse reads:

“So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”

This supplication transcends mere intellectual quotient (IQ)—it asks Allah for holistic personal growth, encompassing spiritual enlightenment, intellectual development, and even wisdom for financial or worldly success. Personal growth is the key to living this life fully and striving for Jannah (Paradise). All true growth originates from within; it is an internal journey—only the individual can grow and elevate themselves.

In times past, knowledge and literacy were privileges reserved for the upper class. Today, we have the world’s information at our fingertips. What we lack is not access to knowledge, but the genuine desire to learn.

When we embark on learning a new skill or task, we start as novices—and this discomfort is natural. Unexplored territory brings uncertainty, and many people retreat to the comfort of routine. Yet this cycle of repetition is not a life of growth. It is through challenges and obstacles that we develop, improve, and evolve.

The dua “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” embraces this journey of growth. It seeks Allah’s guidance and support to navigate the discomfort of learning, reminding us: We should not pray for fewer difficulties, but for greater capacity to overcome them.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.”

This hadith underscores the profound spiritual reward of seeking knowledge—Allah honors those who pursue understanding by easing their way to eternal bliss. May we all embrace this dua with sincerity, striving to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and closeness to Allah. Ameen.