Quran Academy

Few things bring fear into a student like the thoughts of a pending examination. No matter how hard you may have studied, everyone feels some degree of apprehension whenever they are about to take an exam. But as Muslims, we are blessed by the mercy of Allah (swt) to have duas before studying, to improve our memory, relieve the tension, fear and give us hope of excellent results.

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Dua for Increased Knowledge

1) رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

Rabbi zidnii ilman

“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.”” (Qur’an 20:114)

This dua is one that is good for when you are reading to understand what you have learnt, and when you are preparing for examinations. It is also good for absolutely anyone that is trying to learn anything, even if it is memorization of the Qur’an.

2) In a narration by Abu Huraira, it was reported that the holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to make a prayer for increase in knowledge by saying: “Allahummanfa’ni bima ‘allamtani, wa ‘allimni ma yanfa’uni, wa zidni ‘ilman, wal-hamdu lillahi ‘ala kulli hal, wa a’udhu billahi min ‘adhabin-nar (O Allah, benefit me by that which You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge. Praise is to Allah in all situations, and I seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the Fire).” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

3) اللهم انى أسالك علماً نافعاً و رزقاً طيباً و عملاً متقبلاً

Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘Ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan

“O Allah! I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision and deeds that will be accepted.”

4) اَللَّهُمَّ اِنْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي, وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي, وَارْزُقْنِي عِلْمًا يَنْفَعُنِي } رَوَاهُ النَّسَائِيُّ, وَالْحَاكِمُ

Anas (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to say, “O Allah! Grant me benefit in what you have taught me, and teach me useful knowledge and provide me with knowledge that will benefit me.” Related by An-Nasa’i and Al-Hakim. (Bulugh al-Maram)

Recite these prayers as much as possible after salah and during random hours.

Dua for Clarity of Thoughts

Imagine that you read widely for an examination but couldn’t express yourself properly when the answer sheet was placed in front of you in the examination hall. That is a nightmare that no student wants to face, if Allah (swt) wills.

This is why we recommend the famous prayer of Prophet Musa (as) when Allah (swt) asked him to go and visit Pharaoh.

قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي

Qaala rabbi ishrah lii sadrii

وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي

Wa yasri li amrii

وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي

Wa ahlil uqdata min lisaanii

يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي

Yafqahuu qaolii

[Moses] said, “My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance]

And ease for me my task

And untie the knot from my tongue

That they may understand my speech” (Qur’an 20:25-28)

This is a great prayer for asking Allah (swt) to give you the ability to express yourself properly when you are being questioned on the things that you have read.

Dua for when something is difficult

Sometimes you can’t seem to understand a particular course and no matter how much you’ve read, you can’t shake that feeling of anxiety that comes. This prayer is good for asking Allah (swt) to provide ease for one and it will be beneficial for any student experiencing difficulties in a course.

اللَّهُمَّ لاَ سَهْلاً إِلّاَ مَا جَعَلّتَهٌ سَهْلاً وَأَنّتَ تَجّعَلَ الحَزَنَ إِذَا شِئتَ سَهْلاً

Allâhumma lâ sahla illâ mâ ja‘altahu sahlâ wa anta taj‘alu al-hazana idhâ shi’ta sahlâ.

“Oh Allah! Nothing is easy except what you have made easy. If you wish, you can make the difficult easy.”

All these duas are great for anyone who is studying for an examination. Not only do they give you a sense of relief that you are putting Allah (swt) first in your academics, they also bring you closer to Him as He loves those who ask of Him no matter how little.

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