اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَولاَهَا، 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 taqwa (consciousness of You), and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. You are its Guardian and 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 zakkaha 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 comprehensive supplication is perfect for reciting daily, especially after your obligatory prayers. It's a beautiful way to start your day, seeking Allah's help to infuse your actions with taqwa and refine your character.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, fully aware of your need for Allah's guidance. Reflect on each part of the supplication: asking for taqwa, seeking purification, and warding off harmful states. Raise your hands as you would in other supplications. It's best to say it from memory if you can, but using a written source is also permissible.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses the core of good character: taqwa. By asking Allah to grant our soul its taqwa, we're asking for the inner consciousness that prevents us from wrongdoing and compels us towards good. The purification aspect ('zakkaha') is key to refining our actions and intentions. Seeking refuge from useless knowledge, a heedless heart, an insatiable soul, and unanswered prayers are all critical components of a well-balanced life, directly impacting our character and our relationship with Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach this dua to his Companions, just as he used to teach them a Surah from the Qur'an. He said: 'O people, ponder over the meaning of the verses, for there are some who recite the Qur'an from beginning to end without any understanding of its meaning, and the Qur'an is not meant to be recited except with understanding and reflection.' He then taught them this supplication: 'Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkaha 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 5756)