Question # 560: Assalaamu ‘alaykum; Is it permissible for a student to ask Allaah to grant him A* grade in his exams or would that be too specific? Also kindly let me know whether being too specific in dua is makrooh or haraam?

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: Islamic teachings encourage students to make du’aa (supplication) to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) for success in exams and studies. It is permissible to ask for good grades, but it is advised to focus on seeking beneficial knowledge and the best outcome rather than insisting on a specific grade. Moreover, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) advocated for comprehensive and concise supplications, discouraging overly detailed requests. Combining du’aa with diligent effort is important, as studying is considered a form of du’aa through action. The etiquette of making du’aa includes sincerity, purity, and starting with praise of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى). While being specific in du’aa is not makrooh (disliked) or haram (forbidden), scholars recommend avoiding overly specific requests to avoid disappointment. Remember that Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)’s wisdom and plan may differ from our immediate desires, so trust in His judgment.

Long Answer: Based on Islamic teachings, it is generally permissible and encouraged for a student to make du’aa (supplication) to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) for success in exams and studies. However, there are some important points to consider:

  • Making du’aa for good grades or success is allowed and recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) encouraged making du’aa for all matters, big and small. Thabit (رضي الله عنه) narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه), who said, “The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: “Let one of you ask his Lord for his every need, even until he asks Him for the strap of his sandal when it breaks.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Graded hasan)
  • While being specific in du’aa is permissible, it’s best to focus on asking Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) for what is best for you rather than insisting on a particular outcome. For example, asking for success, beneficial knowledge, and the ability to do well, rather than demanding a specific grade. If he or she does that, that is preferable, because it is complete reliance upon Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) and delegating one’s affairs to Him.  Jabir (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge in Allah from knowledge without benefit.” (Sunan Ibn Maajah; graded hasan according to Al-Albani). Also, Abu Dawood narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (رضي الله عنها) said: “The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) liked comprehensive and concise supplication and he refrained from anything other than that.” (Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood).  Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in Sharh Riyadh as-Saaliheen: “That is, if a person offers supplication, he should choose the most comprehensive and concise of supplications and refrain from details because offering supplication in general terms is more comprehensive than limiting it to specific requests.”
  • It’s important to combine du’aa with effort and hard work. Studying diligently is considered a form of du’aa through action.
  • The etiquette of making du’aa includes having sincere intentions, being in a state of purity, and starting with praise of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
  • There is no clear evidence that being very specific in du’aa is makrooh (disliked) or haram (forbidden). However, scholars generally advise against being overly specific or insistent on a particular outcome, as Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows what is best for us. Moreover, being specific and persisting in offering du’aa makes one more attached to the matter, and he does not know whether he will attain it or not. Perhaps if he does not attain it, after all that, he may become more upset and feel the loss more keenly. So it is more appropriate to delegate his affairs to his Lord and be content with what He chooses for him.
  • But if one must be specific, then one should ask for that specific thing provided it is good for him/her. So one could say, for example: If there is something good for me in So and so, then make it easy for me… and so on.
  • It’s recommended to make du’aa not just for oneself, but also for others, including fellow students and teachers.

(Part of the above reply is based on an answer on a similar topic provided by Islamqa.info)

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam