Knowledge in Islam is not just information — it is light. The Prophet ﷺ was commanded by Allah to ask for it directly, and Musa (AS) was taught a longer dua before he stood before the most powerful tyrant of his time. Both are short enough to recite before any exam, lecture, revision session or new chapter.
The simplest dua: Rabbi zidni ilma
رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
Rabbi zidni ilma.
My Lord, increase me in knowledge.
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:114)
This is the only dua in the Qur'an that Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to ask for an increase in something. He was not commanded to ask for an increase in wealth, health, age or status — only knowledge. That alone tells us how Allah ranks the pursuit of knowledge.
The longer dua of Musa (AS)
Before Musa (AS) confronted Pharaoh, he asked Allah for four things at once — calm in the heart, ease in the task, clarity in speech and the ability to be understood. It is a perfect dua for any student before a difficult moment.
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
Rabbi-shrah-li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wahlul 'uqdatan min-lisani, yafqahu qawli.
My Lord, expand for me my chest (with ease), make easy for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech.
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:25–28)
How to use these duas
- Recite 'Rabbi zidni ilma' before opening any book or beginning a study session.
- Recite the longer dua of Musa (AS) before exams, presentations or any moment where you need to speak clearly under pressure.
- Pair both with the short prophetic dua: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an' — O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge (Sunan Ibn Majah 925).
References
'Rabbi zidni ilma' is from Surah Ta-Ha (20:114). The dua of Musa (AS) is also from Surah Ta-Ha (20:25–28). Both are direct Qur'anic verses, which gives them the highest possible grade of authenticity.