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 دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا
O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it, for You are the best purifier. You are its Guardian and its Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khairu 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 da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This beautiful and comprehensive dua can be recited at any time, but it is especially poignant when you are praying for your children. You can make it a part of your regular supplications after salah, or during times of answered prayer like the last third of the night. It's also a powerful dua to make during the blessed days of Ramadan or when performing Hajj/Umrah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, directing your supplication to Allah alone. Imagine the qualities you are asking for – piety, purification, sincere knowledge, a heart that fears Allah, contentment, and accepted prayers – manifesting in your child. You can place your hand on your child's head while making this dua, or even whisper it over them. The most important aspect is the heartfelt connection with Allah and the earnest desire for your child's spiritual well-being.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a profound supplication for the spiritual health of a person, and by extension, our children. Asking Allah to grant piety (taqwa) to the soul is asking for the very essence of strong faith – consciousness of Allah, adherence to His commands, and avoidance of His prohibitions. Seeking purification (zakāt) from Allah acknowledges that true purity comes only from Him. The refuge sought from useless knowledge, a fearful heart, an unsatisfied soul, and unanswered supplications covers the key areas of spiritual struggle. By making this dua for your child, you are asking Allah to protect them from the pitfalls that can weaken faith and to bless them with the inner strength to remain steadfast.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say: Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khairu 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 da'watin la yustajabu laha. (Sahih Muslim 1555)