Dua for Success in Exams

Exams can be a stressful time for students, but incorporating spiritual practices and supplications can provide a sense of calm, focus, and confidence. The following prayer and actions are recommended to help seek success in exams, invoking the blessings of Allah.

Actions Before Starting the Exam

When you sit down in the examination hall, the first step is to place your exam paper face down. This simple action signifies preparation and focus. After that, it is essential to recite the following:

Ta’awwuz (Seek refuge with Allah from the devil)
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.
Bismillah (In the name of Allah)
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Ina Lillahi wa Ina Ilayhi Raji’oon (We belong to Allah and to Him is our return)
إِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him is our return.

Reciting Surah Al-Duha (Surah 93)

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ

وَ الضُّحٰى(1) وَ الَّیْلِ اِذَا سَجٰى(2) مَا وَدَّعَكَ رَبُّكَ وَ مَا قَلٰى(3) وَ لَلْاٰخِرَةُ خَیْرٌ لَّكَ مِنَ الْاُوْلٰى(4) وَ لَسَوْفَ یُعْطِیْكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضٰى(5) اَلَمْ یَجِدْكَ یَتِیْمًا فَاٰوٰى(6) وَ وَجَدَكَ ضَآلًّا فَهَدٰى(7) وَ وَجَدَكَ عَآىٕلًا فَاَغْنٰى(8) فَاَمَّا الْیَتِیْمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ(9) وَ اَمَّا السَّآىٕلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ(10) وَ اَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ(11)

After completing the above steps, recite Surah Al-Duha (Surah 93) in its entirety. This surah, which speaks of Allah’s mercy and blessings, is a powerful supplication for guidance, success, and relief from difficulties.

Once you have recited Surah Al-Duha, turn your exam paper right side up, placing your hand on it as a symbolic act of seeking Allah’s assistance. Afterward, place your hand on yourself, making a gentle supplication for Allah’s blessings and success. Additionally, it is recommended to recite the dua and blow gently on your pen, asking Allah to make it a means of success in your exams.

For Women During Menstruation

If a woman is going through her menstrual cycle, she should avoid reciting Surah Al-Duha as per the traditional practice. Instead, she can recite Surah Al-Fatihah with the intention of making a supplication (dua), which is a powerful and comprehensive supplication in itself, asking Allah for guidance, success, and blessings in all matters, including exams.

Conclusion

Incorporating these supplications and spiritual practices on exam day can help calm the mind, improve concentration, and most importantly, seek Allah’s help and blessings for success. The act of placing trust in Allah and performing these duas with sincerity is a form of worship, ensuring that, regardless of the outcome, the effort is spiritually rewarding.

FAQs

Why do we turn the exam paper face down before starting?

This is a symbolic action that helps in mentally preparing for the exam, ensuring focus and attentiveness.

Can I recite Surah Al-Duha if I am menstruating?

No, it is advised to refrain from reciting Surah Al-Duha during menstruation. Instead, you can recite Surah Al-Fatihah with the intention of making a supplication (dua).

What is the significance of reciting Surah Al-Duha before an exam?

Surah Al-Duha is a supplication for success, divine mercy, and guidance. Its recitation helps invoke Allah’s blessings and ease during challenging times like exams.

How should I perform the blowing on the pen and paper?

After reciting the dua and placing your hand on the paper, gently blow on your hand and then on your pen, symbolizing your request for Allah’s help and success in the exam.