Prayers for Easing Study
It is important to note that there are no specific prayers designated for studying, as such practices did not exist during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Any mentioned traditions related to this are considered weak or fabricated. However, one can sincerely turn to Allah in times of need by reciting prayers for distress and worry. Below are some examples:
- (O Allah, nothing is easy except what You have made easy, and You can make sorrow easy if You will).
- (O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, I seek Your mercy).
- (There is no deity but You, Glory be to You; indeed, I have been one of the wrongdoers).
- (O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, and son of Your female servant. My forelock is in Your hand; Your decree is executed upon me, and Your judgment upon me is just. I ask You by every name that belongs to You, which You have named Yourself, or revealed in Your Book, or taught to one of Your creation, or You have kept to Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen, to make the Quran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the removal of my sadness, and the eradication of my worries).
- (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and sadness, and I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness. I seek refuge in You from cowardice and stinginess; I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and the oppression of men).
- (There is no deity but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne. There is no deity but Allah, the Most Great, the Most Forbearing. There is no deity but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the mighty throne. There is no deity but Allah, the Lord of the gracious throne. There is no deity but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the gracious throne).
Study Tips
There are several important tips for students to consider prior to examinations. Among these is the emphasis on piety towards Allah, which facilitates their affairs and alleviates their distress. As stated in the Quran: (And We have enjoined upon those who were given the Scripture before you and upon you that you fear Allah). Students should exhibit diligence, perseverance, and dedication in their pursuit of knowledge to achieve greatness. Additionally, they should seek assistance from Allah and avoid procrastination, as it is a leading cause of failure. It’s advisable to minimize late-night studying, as it can lead to fatigue, and to turn to Allah in prayer for success and guidance. Moreover, excessive remembrance of Allah is encouraged, as it dispels negative influences, and students should steer clear of bad company that may hinder their academic performance due to its adverse effects.
The Virtues of Seeking Knowledge
The quest for knowledge carries numerous virtues referenced in noble hadiths, including:
- The knowledge rests with the individual even after their demise, as indicated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): (When a person dies, their deeds cease except for three: a continuous charity, knowledge to which people benefit, or a righteous child who prays for them).
- Allah commanded the Prophet (peace be upon him) to seek increased knowledge, as mentioned in the Quran: (And say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge”).
- The learned will act in accordance with Allah’s commands until the Day of Judgment, as described by the Prophet (peace be upon him): (If Allah wishes goodness for a person, he grants him understanding in religion…).
- Those knowledgeable inherit the fear of Allah, akin to the Prophets, as expressed in the Quran: (Indeed, it is the scholars among His servants who fear Allah).
- Knowledge elevates a Muslim in both this world and the hereafter, as stated: (Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees).
Optimal Times for Supplication
Students are encouraged to seek out the most favorable times for supplication and to earnestly direct their requests to Allah during these moments. Some of these times include:
- The time between the adhan and iqamah, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: (The supplication made between the adhan and iqamah is not rejected).
- During prostration in prayer; as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: (The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your supplications).
- At a certain hour on Friday; as narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): (The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mentioned Friday and said: There is an hour on that day during which no Muslim coincides while praying and asks Allah for something but that He will grant it to him).
- In the latter part of the night; as stated by Abu Umamah al-Bahili: (It was said, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard? He said: In the last part of the night and after the obligatory prayers).