Would you like to learn the dua that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to recite during Fajr, or the morning prayer?
It was narrated by Umm Salamah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) said the Salam [at the end of the prayer], he would recite the “Allahumma Inni As’aluka Ilman Nafian” dua.
This is a very short dua, easy to memorize and learn. It asks Allah SWT for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.
The reason this dua is so popular is that it asks Allah for much, and Allah is the best Giver of sustenance and provision.
Asking Allah for beneficial knowledge is asking for wisdom. Islam does not encourage ignorance—both in this life and the Hereafter, we are affected by what we know and how we spend our time. Thus, asking Allah for knowledge is highly recommended (see also the “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” dua).
It is said: “Knowledge is not (acquired) through extensive learning. Rather, it is the light that God sends in the heart of whomever He wishes to guide.”
Another saying teaches: “Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of knowledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him.”
The dua also asks Allah for goodly provision—a broad term. What is provision? The dictionary defines it as “supply with food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey,” but it can also refer to finances, wealth, and obtaining halal money.
Lastly, it asks Allah for deeds that will be accepted. Allah SWT grants us opportunities in this dunya, and whether we seize them is up to us. If someone comes to us in need and we turn them away because it is not our problem or we are busy, we lose a chance to earn the rewards of helping a brother or sister.
I hope you can see the beauty in this dua—it carries a deep and profound message.
Allahumma Inni As’aluka Ilman Nafian in Arabic Text
The full Arabic text of this dua is as follows:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
Transliteration
Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan
Meaning of Allahumma Inni As’aluka Ilman Nafian Dua
The translation of this dua is: “O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision and acceptable deeds.”
Variations of Transliteration
There are many correct transliterations of this dua, which can help with pronunciation. However, if your Arabic reading skills are not strong, the best way to learn is to listen to the dua and repeat after a qari to master the correct recitation. Below are some common transliterations:
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Allahumma inni as aluka ilman nafia wa rizkan tayyiban wa aamalan muttaqabbalan
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Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘Ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan
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Allahumma inni as’aluka ilman nafia’ wa rizkan tayyiban wa aamalan muttaqabbalan
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Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘Ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan
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