A reflection on Surah Ta-Ha 20:114 - the short du'a the Prophet (SAW) was taught to ask for continual growth.
Self-development is often framed today as a purely personal project, built through routines and willpower alone. The Qur'an offers a different foundation: growth that begins with asking Allah (SWT) directly for it. At Darus Saulieghien Quraan Academy, we try to teach our students this du'a early.
A Du'a Taught to the Prophet (SAW) Himself
فَتَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۥ ۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا ١١٤
"So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur'an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'" (Surah Ta-Ha 20:114)
Even the Prophet (SAW), receiving revelation directly, was taught to keep asking Allah (SWT) for more knowledge rather than assuming he had reached a limit. The instruction pairs patience, not rushing ahead of what Allah (SWT) reveals, with an ongoing request for increase.
A Model for Our Students
This du'a is a natural fit for anyone on a learning journey, especially a student memorising the Qur'an, who must balance patience with steady effort in equal measure. Growth is not something to demand all at once, but to keep requesting, page by page.
We encourage our students to make this exact du'a a regular part of their day, especially heading into Ramadan, when many people intend to grow spiritually all at once.
Rabbi zidni 'ilma - my Lord, increase me in knowledge. May Allah (SWT) answer this du'a for every student who sincerely asks it. Ameen.