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 taqwa (consciousness of You), and purify it; You are the Best of those who purify it. 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 zakkaha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawlaha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yashsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This is a profound dua that encapsulates seeking inner purity and spiritual grounding. It's fitting to recite it after Salah, during the quiet moments of the night, or any time you feel the need to recommit to spiritual growth and character development. It’s especially relevant when reflecting on your actions and striving for self-improvement.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a deep sense of dependence on Allah. Imagine Allah's presence as you ask Him to bestow taqwa upon your soul and purify it. Reflect on each part of the dua: asking for beneficial knowledge, a humble heart, contentment, and accepted supplications. Raising your hands, as is customary in supplication, can enhance the focus and humility.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah to provide the essential elements of a righteous life: taqwa, which is the foundation of all good deeds, and inner purity (zakah). By seeking refuge from useless knowledge, a hardened heart, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers, you are safeguarding yourself against spiritual decay and seeking Allah's favor in all aspects of your life. Cultivating taqwa naturally leads to better character as it makes you conscious of Allah in your dealings with others. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'The best people are those who have the best character.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3556)
Source & Authentication
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: 'O Allah, help me against myself, so that I may obey You and be able to sin against You. And grant me strength to achieve my objectives and make me firm and true in speech and grant me the ability to control my desires and make me resolute in my purpose. And teach me the Book of Allah (i.e. the Quran) and make me recite it in the way that is pleasing to You and make it a proof for me. And grant me understanding, O Allah, and let me be content with what You have decreed for me and bless me in it, and let me love to meet You and let me not fear any day that is after death, and let me be not afraid of any enemy. O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa, and purify it; You are the Best of those who purify it. 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.'