Dua & Sunnah

Dua for Protection from the Anxiety of Social Comparison and Envy

Anxiety & Distress
Sahih HadithSahih Muslim 1576

اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ

O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness, and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. You are its Protector and Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that is not humbled, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.

Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawlaha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.

When to Read

Recite this dua regularly, especially when you find yourself caught in the trap of comparing your life, possessions, or achievements to others. It's beneficial to say it in the morning and evening, and at any time you feel overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy or envy.

How to Read

Recite with sincerity and heartfelt intention, raising your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did for supplication. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly asking Allah to grant you inner peace and contentment. Visualize Allah purifying your soul and shielding you from harmful thoughts.

Virtues & Benefits

This comprehensive dua addresses the root causes of anxiety stemming from social comparison and envy. By asking Allah for taqwa (consciousness of Him) and zakat (purification) of the soul, we seek inner strength to be content with what Allah has destined for us. Seeking refuge from useless knowledge, a hard heart, an unsatisfied soul, and unanswered prayers helps to redirect our focus from external validation to internal spiritual well-being. It aligns our desires with what is truly beneficial and pleasing to Allah, combating the dissatisfaction that fuels envy.

Source & Authentication

Narrated by Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught us a supplication to say in our prayers and when we are alone (i.e. when we make du'a): 'O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness, and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. You are its Protector and Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that is not humbled, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.' (Sahih Muslim 1576)
Sahih HadithSahih Muslim 1576
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