Studying is a way to gain knowledge and skills by focusing on learning. There isn’t a specific dua for studying that comes from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Instead, there are some special phrases (adhkaar) that:
- Come from early Muslim leaders
- Are based on understanding Prophet’s sayings (hadiths)
- Are inspired by good prayers mentioned in hadiths
These special phrases can help you in your studies.
1. Dua For Studying
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي * وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
Transliteration
Rabbishrah lee sadree Wayassir lee amree.
Meaning in English
My Lord, lift up my heart and ease my task for me.
In this prayer, you’re asking Allah to:
- Calm your heart and mind, and give you peace
- Fill you with confidence, courage, and contentment
- Lift your spirits and expand your heart to handle life’s challenges
- Make your thoughts clear and your mind relaxed
- Make your tasks easy and manageable
- Help you succeed in your endeavors
This prayer is a beautiful way to ask Allah for emotional and mental well-being, confidence, and success.
READ ALSO: 7 Dua For Stomach Pain Relief in Arabic and English
2. Dua For Studying Something Difficult
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Transliteration: La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka inni kuntu min al-zalimin.
Meaning: There is no god but You, glory to You, verily I was one of the wrongdoers.
Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The prayer of Dhu’l-Nun when he was in the belly of the fish: ‘La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka inni kuntu min al-zalimin (There is no god but You, glory to You, verily I was one of the wrongdoers).’
A Muslim never calls upon his Lord with these words concerning any matter, but his prayer is answered.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3505; classed as sahih by al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, 1644)
Even though these supplications are not limited to the situation mentioned, reciting it in that situation is based on the understanding and ijtihaad of the early scholars who did that.
If you recite these adhkaar and du‘aas that were narrated from the early generations, without believing that this is something specific to this particular situation, or that reciting it in this particular situation is Sunnah, or that it has a specific virtue, there is nothing wrong with that.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah – often used to recite this. If he came across difficult issues, he would say:
يَا مُعَلِّمَ إبْرَاهِيمَ عَلِّمْنِي
Transliteration: Yaa Mu’allima Ibraheem Allamnee
Meaning: O Teacher of Ibraaheem, teach me.
Some of the early generations used to say when issuing fatwas:
سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ
Transliteration
Subhaanaka laa ‘ilma lanaaa illaa maa ‘allamtanaaa innaka antal’aleemul hakeem.
Meaning
Glory be to You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us, for verily You are the All-Knowing, Most Wise.
Some scholars used to say:
لا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلا باللَّهِ
Transliteration: Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah.
Meaning: There is no power and no strength except with Allah.
Maalik used to say:
مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ العلي العظيم
Transliteration: Ma sha Allah, laa quwwata illa Billaah al-‘Aliy al-‘Azeem.
Meaning: As Allah wills; there is no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
Effective Ways to Find Answers and Understand
Some people recite Al-Faatihah to find answers, and many have found it helpful. What matters most is:
- Having a good intention
- Being sincere
- Focusing on your goal
To improve understanding, remember two key things:
- Take action to learn:
- Listen carefully
- Focus
- Memorize
- Reflect
- Ask questions
- Practice these habits until they become natural
- Turn to Allah for help:
- Ask Him sincerely to guide you
- Knowledge comes from Allah, like a light in your heart
- If your heart is close to Allah through worship, love, and repentance, you’ll be ready to receive this light and understand.
Remember, understanding comes from a combination of effort and divine guidance.