What is the ruling on reciting specific supplications before and after an exam, such as the supplication for beginning study, for leaving the home, upon completing an answer, and when an answer becomes difficult?

There are no specific Prophetic traditions (Sunnah) to be recited during exams, and what is circulated among students about supplications for studying or exams is fabricated and has no basis. Attributing these supplications to the Prophetic Sunnah, while knowing that they are not authentically established, makes one a liar against the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, according to his saying: "Whoever intentionally lies about me, let him take his seat in Hellfire," and "Whoever narrates a narration from me that he considers to be a lie, then he is one of the liars."

However, there are general supplications recited during hardship and distress, which include exams and other situations, such as: 1. The supplication upon leaving the home: "In the name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, there is no might or power except with Allah." 2. The supplication of distress: "O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek assistance." 3. The supplication for facilitating affairs: "O Allah, there is no ease except that which You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if You wish." 4. The supplication of Yunus (peace be upon him): "There is no god but You; exalted are You. Indeed, I was of the wrongdoers."

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has affirmed that specific supplications for studying and success in exams are innovated (bid'ah) and there is no evidence to specify them. Supplication is a devotional act that is tawqeefi (restricted to what is prescribed), and a Muslim should supplicate to Allah to facilitate their affairs and increase their knowledge without specifying innovated supplications for every situation.