Welcoming the Blessed Month of Ramadan and the Profound Benefits of a Powerful Supplication

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Faith, 

As Salamu Alaikum Rahmathullahi Wa Barakatahu.

As the blessed month of Ramadan dawns upon us, we welcome it with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. This sacred time is a gift from Allah—a month of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It is an opportunity to cleanse our souls, strengthen our faith, and draw closer to our Creator through fasting, prayer, and good deeds. With every moment filled with divine blessings, let us embrace Ramadan with sincerity, seeking His guidance and striving to make the most of this precious period.

Ramazan is said to be the month when Allah accepts many of our prayers.  Among the many beautiful supplications taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ),  I would like to write about one which touched my heart as it has profound depth and completeness covering 360° degrees of our life. 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً

'Allahumma Inni As’aluka ‘Ilman Nafi’an, Wa Rizqan Tayyiban, Wa ‘Amalan Mutaqabbalan'

"O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds."

This powerful dua encapsulates the essence of a fulfilling our life — Wisdom / Knowledge / Ilm  to navigate our journey, Sustenance / Rizq that nourishes us in our journey, and Deeds / Amaal that earn the pleasure of Allah. It forms a perfect triangle of life, covering intellectual growth, material well-being, and righteous actions, ensuring success in both this world and the Hereafter. 

Let us learn this powerful dua which our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to recite everyday after the namaz-e-Fajr, in particular. It was reported in the Sahih hadith by Umm Salamah that while he said the Salam, he would recite 'Allahumma Inni As’aluka ‘Ilman Nafi’an, Wa Rizqan Tayyiban, Wa ‘Amalan Mutaqabbalan'. It is a very easy to memorize and learn, praying Allah SWT for the beneficial knowledge, for good provision and acceptable deeds.

It is also practice of our Murshideen to make the children recite it after the recitation of Sura-e-Fatiha, during tasmia khwani - a ritual of reciting Bismillah or ‗In the name of Allah for the commencement of the education of a child. 

Now let us know what the actual meaning of these three things which we are asking

1. Beneficial Knowledge: 

Knowledge / Wisdom / Ilm is the foundation to lead a meaningful and purposeful life. However, not all knowledge is beneficial. True wisdom is understanding what pleases Allah, what benefits humanity, and what leads to success in this life and the Hereafter. Beneficial knowledge includes religious understanding, ethical living, and worldly expertise that helps us contribute positively to society. It shapes our character, influences our decisions, and strengthens our connection with our Creator. Without it, we may stray from the right path or misuse our abilities. Thus, seeking knowledge that illuminates our hearts and guides our actions is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.   

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has said: “The best of charity is when a Muslim man gains knowledge, then he teaches it to his Muslim brother.” — Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 243 . 

Further Sahl bin Mu’adh bin Anas narrated from his father that: The Prophet  (ﷺ) said: “Whoever teaches some knowledge will have the reward of the one who acts upon it, without that detracting from his reward in the slightest.”  — Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 240

Tips to Seek Beneficial Knowledge:

• Read and Study – Dedicate time daily to reading and understanding the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic teachings to strengthen faith and guidance.
• Gain Professional Expertise – Alongside religious knowledge, acquire skills and education in your field of interest to contribute meaningfully to society and support yourself ethically.

2. Goodly Provision

Sustenance / Rizq is essential for survival, but beyond material wealth, we should ask Allah for pure, lawful, and fulfilling provision (rizq).  Rizq is not limited to financial prosperity but encompasses all forms of sustenance provided by Allah – health, knowledge, time, opportunities and even the people we have in our lives.  Allah says in the Quran, "There is no moving creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by Allah. And He knows where it lives and where it is laid to rest. All is ˹written˺ in a perfect Record." (Quran 11:6).  Therefore, true provision includes not only money but also health, time, family, and inner peace. 

A person may have abundant wealth, but if it is not blessed, it may lead to arrogance, wastefulness, or dissatisfaction. Goodly provision sustains both body and soul, enabling us to lead a balanced life and support those in need. When we seek halal earnings and contentment, we align our sustenance with divine wisdom, ensuring that it becomes a source of barakah (blessings) rather than a test. 

Tips to Ensure Goodly Provision:

• Earn Honestly – Engage in lawful (halal) professions, conduct fair business dealings, and ensure that earnings are free from deception and exploitation.
• Practice Gratitude & Charity – Be content with what you have, express gratitude, and give in charity (sadaqah), ensuring blessings in your sustenance.

3. Acceptable Deeds

A life well-lived is not just about what we acquire but what we give back through our actions. Deeds are only meaningful if they are sincere and accepted by Allah. Acts of worship, kindness, and service to others should be done with the right intention—seeking His pleasure rather than worldly recognition. Even the smallest good deeds, when done with sincerity, can weigh heavily in our favor on the Day of Judgment. Asking for acceptable deeds ensures that our efforts are not wasted and that our actions bring us closer to Allah while leaving a lasting positive impact on those around us.

Tips to Perform Acceptable Deeds:

• Stay Consistent in Worship – Perform daily prayers, observe fasts, and engage in constant remembrance of Allah (zikr) to strengthen your connection with Him.
• Serve Humanity – Be kind to family, help those in need, forgive others, and uphold justice, as serving mankind is also a means of earning Allah’s pleasure.

Embracing This Supplication in Ramadan and Beyond

In the sacred month of Ramadan, when hearts are softened and prayers are accepted, reciting this supplication frequently brings immense blessings. It is especially recommended after Fajr prayer, and consistently turning to it—particularly in moments of hardship—strengthens our connection with Allah and deepens our trust in His provision. Making this dua a part of our daily routine helps cultivate a life of purpose, balance, and divine acceptance. However, true success is not just in asking but also in striving—seeking knowledge, earning sustenance through lawful means, and performing sincere, righteous deeds.

Conclusion

This beautiful supplication is a reminder of what truly matters in life. It teaches us to seek knowledge that enlightens, provision that sustains with blessings, and deeds that earn the pleasure of Allah. As we embrace Ramadan with renewed faith and devotion, let us make this dua a part of our daily prayers and align our efforts with its essence. By doing so, we pave the way for a life of purpose, contentment, and eternal success in the Hereafter. May Allah accept our prayers, namaz, taravee, fasting, zikr-o-azkar, and forgive our sins. Aameen. 

'Allahumma Inni As’aluka ‘Ilman Nafi’an, Wa Rizqan Tayyiban, Wa ‘Amalan Mutaqabbalan'

"O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds."

Aameen.

Allahu Alam

Jazak Allah Khair
Inayath Ulla Khan