9 Dua For Exams Success in Arabic and English

Exams can be a really tough and stressful time for students. The pressure to do well and get good grades can feel overwhelming. But, there’s something that can help – saying dua (prayers) to Allah!
You can ask Allah to:
- Make your exams easier
- Help you feel less anxious and scared
- Give you success and guidance
There aren’t specific dua for exams that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned, but there are some general prayers that can help with studying, seeking knowledge, and achieving success. Try reciting these duas to feel more calm and confident during exams!
Are There Specific Dua For Exams?
According to IslamQA, there’s no specific prayer (dua) mentioned in the Sunnah (the Prophet’s teachings) for exams. Many duas that students say during exams, like when studying, receiving exam papers, or struggling with answers, are not actually from the Prophet (peace be upon him). They are fabricated and mistakenly attributed to him.
However, there are some authentic hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) that mention duas for difficult times, which can include exams. Here are some of those hadiths:
Remember, while there’s no specific “exam dua”, these general prayers can help you during challenging times, including exams.
Dua For Exams Success in Arabic
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي * وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي * وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي * يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
Transliteration
Rabbishrah lee sadree Wayassir lee amree Wahlul uqdatan min lisanee Yafqahoo qawlee.
Meaning in English
My Lord, lift up my heart and ease my task for me. Untie my tongue, so that they may understand my words.
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) used to recite these verses from Surah Taha (25-28) when he struggled with speaking fluently. He asked Allah for compassion and confidence. You can also benefit from this dua in various situations:
- Standardized tests
- Improving your speech and writing skills
- Before lectures, big interviews, or any challenging moment
When you recite this dua, you’re asking Allah to:
- Give you confidence and self-assurance
- Put your heart at peace and lift your spirits
- Make your tasks easier and less stressful
- Help you communicate effectively
Remember, this dua can be a great support for students and anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills. Try reciting it when you need a boost of confidence and clarity!
READ ALSO: 11 Dua For Parents Forgiveness In English & Arabic Text
Dua For Exams Ease
When studying something difficult, you may recite this dua to make it easy:
اللهُمَّ لا سَهْلَ إلا مَا جَعَلتَهُ سَهْلا وَ أنتَ تَجْعَلُ الحزْنَ إذا شِئْتَ سَهْلا
Transliteration
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja’altahu sahla, wa ‘anta taj-alul hazna idha shi’ta sahla.
Meaning in English
O, Allah! There is nothing easy except what You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it be Your Will.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“O Allah, nothing is easy but that which You make easy and You can make hardship easy if You will.”
Source: Narrated by Ibn Hibban, 3/255; classed as sahih by al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, 2886.

Dua
يَا حَىُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ
Transliteration: Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum bi rahmatika astaghith.
Meaning: O Ever Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help.
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: If something upset him, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would say:
“Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum bi rahmatika astaghith (O Ever Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help).”
Source: Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3524; classed as hasan by al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, 3182
Dua For Difficult In Exams
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)

Send Salutations Upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
When facing tough times, don’t overlook the power of sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace be upon him). It’s a powerful act that can bring amazing results! Try reciting it as much as you can and see the wonders it can do.
Increasing your salam and salutations upon the Prophet can:
- Bring you peace and comfort
- Make your prayers more appealing to Allah
- Help Allah answer your prayers, even if you don’t specify a particular request
Remember, this simple act can bring great benefits and comfort. Make it a habit to send peace and blessings upon the Prophet, and see the positive impact it can have on your life!
The salatul Ibrahimiyya is written in Arabic as:
اللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحمَّد، وَعَلى آلِ مُحمَّد، كَما صَلَّيتَ عَلى إبْراهيمَ وَعَلى آلِ إبْراهيم، إِنَّكَ حَميدٌ مَجيد ، اللّهُـمَّ بارِكْ عَلى مُحمَّد، وَعَلى آلِ مُحمَّـد، كَما بارِكْتَ عَلى إبْراهـيمَ وَعَلى آلِ إبْراهيم، إِنَّكَ حَميدٌ مَجيد
Transliteration
Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala ili Muhammad kama sallayta ala Ibrahima wa ala ali Ibrahim innaka hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammad, kama varakta ala Ibrahima wa ala ali Ibrahim innaka hamidun Majid.
Meaning In English
O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.
Remembering Allaah (Thikr) dispels anxiety and tension. If something is too difficult for you, then pray to Allaah to make it easy for you.
Whenever Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, found something too difficult to understand, he would say: “O You who taught Ibraaheem, teach me; O You Who caused Sulaymaan to understand, cause me to understand.”
Dua Before Exams
Mention the name of Allah before you start, as mentioning the name of Allah is prescribed when beginning any permissible action; this brings blessings and seeking the help of Allah is one of the means of strength.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillaahi (Meaning: In the Name of Allah)
You should recite the Du’aa for leaving the house,
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلى اللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
Transliteration; Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu ‘alallaahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata ‘illaa billaah.
Meaning: In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, there is no might and no power except by Allah.
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Whoever says – when leaving his house – Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa Billah (In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, there is no power and no strength except with Allah), it will be said to him: You are taken care of and you are protected, and the Shaytan will keep away from him.”
Narrated by Abu Dawud, 5095; al-Tirmidhi, 3426; classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud.
Dua For Exam Success
One of the versatile Dua for success in your exam and interview is this beautiful dua.
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration
Rabbana aatina fiddunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan wa qina azaban nar.
Meaning In English
Our Lord, give us in this world (that which is) good and in the Hereafter (that which is) good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
This dua includes every worldly need and requirement of well-being, a good home, a good wife, a righteous son, halal sustenance, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous deed.
And goodness in the Hereafter: the highest of it is entering Paradise, and its consequences of security on the day of the greatest fear, facilitation of reckoning, and other matters of the Hereafter and prevention.
Making Duas in Your Own Words
It’s okay to make prayers (supplications) that aren’t from traditional sources, even if they’re in your everyday language or not in Arabic. While traditional prayers are beneficial, you may need to ask Allah for specific things like:
- Help with exams
- Good things for yourself or loved ones in this life and the afterlife
- Protection from harm or evil
You can make these prayers in your own words, and you’re not limited to traditional ones. What matters most is:
- Focusing your mind and heart on Allah
- Being sincere in your prayer
- Using any language you feel comfortable with
Remember, the key to effective prayer is your intention, focus, and sincerity, not the specific words you use.
Tips For Exams
Here are some tips for exams:
- Prepare thoroughly: Study regularly and review notes, textbooks, and past exams.
- Create a study plan: Set goals, prioritize topics, and manage your time effectively.
- Practice with sample questions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
- Stay organized: Keep all study materials, including notes and schedules, organized and easily accessible.
- Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet.
- Manage stress: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or prayer to reduce anxiety.
- Review and reflect: Regularly review what you’ve studied and reflect on what you need to work on.
- Seek help when needed: Ask teachers, classmates, or tutors for clarification on difficult topics.
- Stay positive: Encourage yourself with positive affirmations and remind yourself of your abilities.
- Stay calm on exam day: Arrive early, read instructions carefully, and manage your time wisely.
- Use active learning techniques: Engage with the material by summarizing, self-quizzing, and elaborating on key concepts.
- Get familiar with the exam format: Understand the exam structure, duration, and any specific rules or instructions.
Remember, preparation and self-care are key to performing your best on exams!