Rabbi Zidni Ilma: Dua for Knowledge and Wisdom

Islam is not just a religion; it is a complete code of life. It guides us through every aspect and stage of life, from childhood to death. The base of the teachings of Islam is the Quran and the acts of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, in the form of Hadith and Sunnah. Simultaneously, the Quran and Hadith strongly emphasize the importance of gaining knowledge, and most importantly, they encompass not only religious knowledge but also worldly knowledge.

Several verses in the Quran repeatedly emphasize the importance of gaining knowledge. Likewise, the social and religious status of those who possess the knowledge and spread it is also mentioned repeatedly, as being the best among the community. Even the first Divine revelation, comprising the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq, starts with the word “Iqra”, which means “Read”. This word is repeated again in the third verse of this surah.

Similarly, it is mentioned in the 4^th verse of this Surah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى taught man by the pen. Then in the fifth verse, it is mentioned that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى taught man what they did not know. So, the first Divine revelation clearly signifies the importance of reading, writing, and gaining knowledge. That means, doing so, is a sort of our religious duty as well. The supplication “Rabbi Zidni Imla” is a continuation of the importance given by the Quran on learning and seeking knowledge.

Origin of the Supplication – Quranic Reference

Rabbi Zidni Ilma (رَّبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْمًا) is an important Dua (Supplication), frequently recited by Muslims, across the world. It appears in the last part of the 114^th verse of Surah Ta’ha. The meanings of this part of the verse are “O Lord, give me greater knowledge”. Sometimes it is also translated as “O Lord, increase me in knowledge”.

To better understand the significance of this very important dua, we should read the full verse, where it is Commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ as under:

Translation

Exalted then be God, the real King; and do not try to anticipate the Qur’an before the completion of its revelation, but pray: “O Lord, give me greater knowledge.”

Here, we learn two important things: all knowledge belongs to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and secondly, one should always pray to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, to give us greater knowledge. Even the Prophet is being commanded here to pray for “greater knowledge”. So, it signifies the importance of seeking knowledge.

Virtues and Benefits of Recitation of this Dua

Every dua has an impact, unless recited wholeheartedly and with devotion and submission. The same is true for the supplication “Rabbi Zidni Ilma”. Being a dua, as Commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, it is highly virtuous and carries huge benefits and rewards. Moreover, it is related to one of the most emphasized matters in Islamic teachings, which becomes even more important and beneficial for the reciters.

Some of its virtues and benefits are summarized here:

· Following the Sunnah

The quest for knowledge is an act of Sunnah (an act performed by the Prophet). Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ in itself is highly appreciated act. When we seek knowledge through recitation of this dua, with the intention of following the Sunnah, it brings huge rewards. On one hand, there is every possibility of our dua being accepted, while on the other hand, we will get the rewards of following an act of Sunnah.

· Divine Assistance in Seeking Knowledge

The supplication “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” was directly advised by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى in the Quranic revelation, to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Hence, it has the highest level of expectancy of being accepted. Anyone reciting it with complete submission and full devotion should expect that their dua will be accepted and they will be blessed with Divine assistance in seeking knowledge and wisdom. One should, however, fulfill their duty and keep trying to get knowledge and wisdom from those who have it. Allah would definitely open the doors who sincerely venture to get knowledge.

· It Protects You from Arrogance

Arrogance is perhaps the worst thing in a person’s behavior and personality. Too much knowledge tends to bring a touch of arrogance. However, when you get knowledge and wisdom by submitting wholeheartedly in front of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, through this dua, He not only blesses you with it but also protects you from any possibility of being arrogant. So, whenever seeking knowledge, recite this dua with the intention of being protected from arrogance.

· Knowledge leads to Righteousness

Knowledge sought with the right intention leads to righteousness. It also strengthens our faith. True knowledge brings humbleness in one’s behavior, and when we seek it with profound devotion, it brings a lot of behavioral changes in our conduct. Overall, true and righteous knowledge always brings positive changes in one’s life and conduct. So, seek knowledge by reciting Rabbi Zidni Ilma to bring righteousness into your life and conduct.

· Best Time to Recite Rabbi Zidni Ilam

Like any other supplication, Rabbi Zidni Ilma can be recited anytime, day or night; it is not a time-specific dua. However, since it is related to the quest for knowledge, it can bring positive results if recited on certain specific occasions.

· Recite it During Prayers (Salah)

This special supplication can be made a part of regular duas, we often recite during and after the daily prayers. In this case, it can bring an overall improvement in our knowledge and wisdom. However, the crux of the matter is to recite it with the intention of seeking Divine guidance for getting righteous knowledge.

· Recite it Before Learning and Studying

Whenever you start a session of learning and studying, whether it be a religious or school/college session, recite this supplication with the intention of seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance in your quest for knowledge. By reciting it, you will feel an inner confidence in yourself. Allah will shower His blessings and bring Barakah into your knowledge.

· Recite it When Teaching Others

As a teacher, your responsibilities increase manifold. You are supposed to not only impart knowledge to your students, but at the same time, you are also responsible for making them good Muslims. You are also responsible for imparting knowledge to your students with the confidence that what you are teaching is correct. Hence, it becomes more important for you to start your teaching session by reciting this supplication.

It will definitely bring confidence in yourself and you will able to communicate fluently and in an understandable manner for your students. The bottom line is that you can communicate to your listeners only when you have a complete command of your subject matter. So, by reciting this supplication as a teacher, you are seeking more knowledge so you can teach it to others.

· Recite it When Facing Difficulty in Learning

If someone is facing difficulty in learning any particular topic or subject, no matter a religious or non-religious one, reciting this supplication will bring Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى help and assistance in overcoming the problem. Keep reciting it frequently to get hold of the difficult subject matter.

Knowledge and Wisdom – Quranic References

Apart from the supplication under discussion, “Rabbi Zidni Ilma”, there are several other Quranic verses that stress the need to acquire knowledge. The first revelation, as already discussed above, emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge.

Some of the other Quranic references are summarized here, related to the importance of knowledge and wisdom:

• Knowledge brings a higher status to the believers: This subject is mentioned in the 11^th verse of Surah Al-Mujadila. It is mentioned in the last part of this verse that a person who seeks and possesses knowledge enjoys a higher status in the community.

“God will raise those who believe, and those who have knowledge, in position.”

• Knowledge brings Tawqa (fear of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى): The 28^th verse of Surah Fatir mentions that knowledge instills Allah’s fear or consciousness (Taqwa) in the believers. It means Allah’s consciousness comes with the knowledge.

“Only those of His creatures fear God who has knowledge”.

• Seek Knowledge from those who have it: It is mentioned in the 43^rd verse of Surah An-Nahl that if you do not know something, ask it from those who possess the knowledge. Here, the concept of consultation is introduced and Muslims are encouraged to ask questions from those who can answer their queries and shouldn’t be shy about asking.

“In case you are unaware, enquire of those who are keepers of the Oracles of God”.

• Those who know and those who don’t know can’t be equal: The 9^th verse of Surah Az-Zumar clarifies the difference between the one having knowledge and the one without it. The answer is within the question raised in this verse, that the one with knowledge has a higher status as compared to the one who is ignorant.

“Can those who know, and those who do not know, be equal?”

• Wisdom is granted by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى: The subject is mentioned in the 269^th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. Wisdom is granted only by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Wisdom is much better than mere information, so Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى grants wisdom only to those whom He likes to.

“He gives wisdom to whomsoever He pleases; and those who are bestowed wisdom get good in abundance.”

So, the Quran consistently urges the believers to get knowledge and wisdom, which can be well achieved by reciting “Rabbi Zidni Ilma”. The lesson learned from the above verses can be summarized as under:

1. Seek Knowledge, not only the religious but also the worldly knowledge.
2. Think deeply about the signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to those who possess knowledge, if you have any doubts about any particular issue.
4. Wisdom and knowledge are better than ignorance.

Implementation of Rabbi Zidni Ilma in Personal Life

Seeking knowledge is a sort of religious obligation for the believers. Here’s a guideline on how we can implement it in our daily life routine:

• Renew your intention daily. Seek knowledge daily by reciting this supplication with the intention to seek Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
• Be consistent with your quest for knowledge. Spare a dedicated time, may that be only 15 minutes a day, to search for some good information on religious personal life.
• Make it a habit to raise questions about matters where you don’t have a reasonable explanation. Ask the experts and scholars about what you don’t know. Don’t hesitate to get clarity on what creates doubt in your mind.
• Think about the nature, the creations and signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Study the current subjects.
• Sharing your knowledge is a good habit. It increases your own knowledge and wisdom, as well.
• Avoid arrogance and be humble to others. It helps you get even wiser.
• Try to implement the knowledge and wisdom in your personal life.
• Don’t restrict yourself only to worldly knowledge; spare ample time to seek religious knowledge as well.

Conclusion

Seeking knowledge is a highly emphasized subject in Islamic teachings. In fact, it has been made obligatory for Muslims to acquire knowledge, not only religious but also worldly knowledge, such as the study of nature, science, and technology, among others. The purpose of acquiring knowledge is to enhance one’s level of wisdom. Both knowledge and wisdom make us perfect Muslims. It guides us to live a righteous way of life.

There are several Quranic verses and acts of Sunnah that stress the need to gain knowledge. The supplication (which is a part of the Quranic Verse), Rabbi Zidni Ilma, is the best dua to seek righteous knowledge. Every Muslim should memorize this short dua and make it a habit to recite it frequently. It is the best source of seeking knowledge.