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 yash-sha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite for your children before they engage in any physical activity, especially sports. It asks Allah for inner purity, control, and benefit from what they do. While it's not specific to sports, it covers the essence of seeking Allah's help for them to be good in their endeavors, including physical ones, by asking for beneficial knowledge and a heart that is receptive.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, directing your heart's desire towards Allah. You can hold your child's hand, place your hand on their head, or simply speak it with earnestness. It's about invoking Allah's protection and guidance over them, asking Him to bless their efforts and keep them safe. The emphasis should be on seeking Allah's favor and purification for them.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encompasses a broad request for spiritual and mental well-being, which directly impacts one's ability to excel. By asking for piety and purification of the soul, we are asking Allah to make our children disciplined, focused, and pure in their intentions, which are crucial for success in any field, including sports. Seeking refuge from unbeneficial knowledge and a hard heart helps them to be receptive to coaching and learning. A satisfied soul prevents arrogance, and asking for answered supplications ensures Allah's support. It's a holistic prayer for their holistic development.
Source & Authentication
ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say: Allahumma āti nafsī taqwāhā, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkāhā, anta waliyyuhā wa mawlāhā. Allahumma innī aʿūdhu bika min ʿilmin lā yanfaʿu, wa min qulbin lā yash-shaʿu, wa min nafsī lā tashbaʿu, wa min daʿwatin lā yustajabu lahā. (Muslim related it.)