# Dua for Studying and Seeking Knowledge: Arabic, Engl… | UKPT > Two short, powerful duas from the Qur'an for students and seekers of knowledge — 'Rabbi zidni ilma' and Musa's (AS) dua before facing Pharaoh. Arabic,… *Source: https://prayer-times.co.uk/blog/dua-for-studying-and-seeking-knowledge · Independent, free UK prayer times.* --- Daily Duas · 29th April 2026 · 4 min read ·Kaiser Khan # Dua for Studying and Seeking Knowledge: Arabic, English Meaning & Quranic Source Quick Answer 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. Last updated 17 July 2026 Two short, powerful duas from the Qur'an for students and seekers of knowledge — 'Rabbi zidni ilma' and Musa's (AS) dua before facing Pharaoh. Arabic, English and references. 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. Keep this site free No adverts, no tracking. A contribution covers hosting and the daily rebuild — it never buys a listing, a method or a mosque’s place in the directory. [Support the site](/support#readers) [Charity partners](/support#charities) ## More from the Knowledge Hub [ Community ### Muslims on the Frontline: How British Muslims Showed Up During the COVID-19 Pandemic 7 min read ](/blog/muslims-on-the-frontline-covid-community-response)[ Charity & Impact ### UK Muslims: Britain's Most Generous Faith Community — The Numbers Behind Muslim Charity 7 min read ](/blog/uk-muslims-most-generous-givers)[ Mosque Stories ### East London Mosque: Over 90 Years at the Heart of Britain's Muslim Community 6 min read ](/blog/east-london-mosque-heart-of-the-community)[ Community ### The Big Iftar: How Sharing a Meal is Breaking Down Barriers Across Britain 5 min read ](/blog/big-iftar-breaking-barriers-one-meal)