اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَولاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا
O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa (consciousness of You), 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 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 dua is especially potent when recited on a Friday, the day of gathering and reflection. Recite it after the Fajr prayer or before Jumu'ah, and also at other times when you feel the urge to speak ill of others or are exposed to gossip. It's a prayer for internal purification that helps guard your tongue throughout the week.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and a present heart. Imagine Allah (SWT) listening to your plea. Visualize yourself being granted the strength to control your tongue and focus on positive speech and remembrance of Allah. Make it a habit, not just a one-time recitation.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, directly addresses the root of sins related to the tongue. By asking Allah for Taqwa, purification, and protection from useless knowledge, hardened hearts, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers, we are essentially asking for the inner strength to avoid sins like backbiting (Gheebah) and gossip (Namimah). Guarding our speech is crucial, as the Prophet ﷺ warned, 'A servant may speak a word that he thinks is harmless, but it will lead him to the Fire of Hell seventy cubits deep.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6477). This dua fortifies us against such pitfalls, especially on the blessed day of Jumu'ah, encouraging us to use our time for remembrance and good deeds instead of harmful speech.
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: 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 1556)