Best Duas for a Muslim Before, During and After an Exam

Below are some commonly recited and well-regarded duʿās (supplications) from the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and scholarly practice that many Muslims find helpful before, during, and after an exam.

Before Starting the Exam

- To Seek Ease and Clarity of Speech:

From the Qur’ān (Sūrat Ṭāhā 20:25–28):

"Rabbi ishraḥ lī ṣadrī. Wa yassir lī amrī. Waḥlul ‘uqdatan min lisānī, yafqahū qawlī."

Translation: "My Lord, expand my chest [with assurance]; and ease for me my task; and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech."

This duʿāʾ was made by Prophet Mūsā (Moses) when he was preparing to face Pharaoh. Reciting it can instill calmness, understanding, and the ability to express oneself clearly.

- For Ease in All Matters:

"Allāhumma lā sahla illā mā ja‘altahu sahlā, wa anta taj‘alu al-ḥazna idhā shi’ta sahlā."

Translation: "O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy. And You can make the difficult, if You wish, easy."

This duʿāʾ helps remind you that all ease comes from Allah, and He can turn difficulties into manageable tasks.

- For Beneficial Knowledge:

"Allāhumma innī asʾaluka ‘ilman nāfiʿan, wa rizqan ṭayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan."

Translation: "O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good and lawful provision, and deeds that are accepted [by You]."

Although often recited at the start of study sessions or classes, it’s also beneficial before an exam to reaffirm your intention that your learning and efforts are for the sake of Allah and personal growth.

During the Exam

- To Stay Calm and Focused:

If you feel overwhelmed, pause briefly and say:

"Yā Ḥayyū, Yā Qayyūm, bi-raḥmatika astaghīth."

Translation: "O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, I seek help through Your mercy."

This short invocation reminds you that your strength and ability to continue come from Allah, who is always present and sustaining you.

- For Continued Ease and Completion:

"Rabbi yassir walā tu‘assir, Rabī tammim bi-khayr."

Translation: "O Lord, make it easy and do not make it difficult, O Lord, bring it to a good end."

This duʿāʾ is a gentle way to ask Allah to guide you through the remaining parts of your exam smoothly and successfully.

- General Remembrance (Dhikr):

If time allows, simple dhikr such as "Subḥānallāh", "Alḥamdulillāh", or "Hasbunallāhu wa ni‘mal wakīl" (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs) can help refocus and calm your nerves.

After Finishing the Exam

- Expressing Gratitude:

"Alḥamdulillāh" (All praise and thanks are to Allah)

Upon completing the exam, thanking Allah acknowledges that your ability to work and finish is a blessing from Him.

- Trusting the Outcome to Allah:

You can say something like:

"Allāhumma taqabbal minnī wa barik lī fīmā ʿalimtu."

Translation: "O Allah, accept (this effort) from me and bless me in what I have learned."

This duʿāʾ asks that Allah put blessings (barakah) in your knowledge and that the outcome of your efforts is good for you, irrespective of the grade.

- Accepting the Decree of Allah:

If you feel uncertain about how you performed, remember:

"Hasbīyallāhu lā ilāha illā Huwa ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul ‘arshil ‘aẓīm."

Translation: "Allah is sufficient for me, there is no deity except Him; in Him I have placed my trust, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne."

This Qur’ānic verse (9:129) affirms trust in Allah’s perfect will.

Practical Tips Alongside Your Duʿās:

• Begin with a sincere intention that your knowledge is for the sake of Allah and the betterment of His creation.
• Maintain calm and trust in Allah’s help throughout your preparation and exam.
• Always pair duʿāʾ with earnest effort. Studying diligently and making practical preparations is part of Islamic ethics.