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 feel humble, from a soul that is not 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 da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This powerful supplication can be recited by parents for their children, especially when they notice their child hesitating to speak up for what is right, or when they are in situations where honesty and truthfulness are being tested. It can be recited daily, perhaps after Fajr or Maghrib prayers, or specifically before sending a child to school or to a gathering where they might face such challenges.
How to Read
This dua is best recited with sincerity and focus. Parents should place their hand on their child's head or shoulder while making the dua, or recite it individually with the intention for their child. Ensure understanding of the meaning, so the intention is clear: seeking Allah's help to instill courage, piety, and beneficial knowledge in the child, along with protection from negative traits and unanswered prayers.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah to grant the child 'taqwa' (consciousness of Allah), which is the root of all good character, including courage to uphold truth. It seeks purification of the soul, leading to a stronger moral compass. Seeking refuge from useless knowledge and a hard heart helps cultivate wisdom and empathy, crucial for knowing when and how to speak truth effectively. The request for a satisfied soul and answered supplication further aids in their overall well-being and success in this life and the next.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: "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 da'watin la yustajabu laha." (Sahih Muslim 2722)