اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا
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.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkihā anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuhā wa mawlāhā.
When to Read
This is a profound supplication that can be made at any time, especially after obligatory prayers, during times of reflection, or when feeling a lapse in one's character. It's particularly relevant when seeking Allah's help to strengthen one's inner resolve towards righteousness and modesty.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a deep sense of reliance on Allah. Raise your hands if possible, as is customary in supplication. Visualize Allah's acceptance and feel the weight of your request for inner purification and God-consciousness. It's best recited when you are in a state of wudu (ablution) and facing the Qiblah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah to bestow the quality of taqwa, which is the foundation of all good character and the ultimate protection against sin. By seeking purification from the Best Purifier, we acknowledge our need for His divine help in overcoming our shortcomings and achieving inner cleanliness. Hayaa (modesty) is a branch of faith, and seeking taqwa and purification is the surest way to cultivate it, leading to pleasing Allah and earning His pleasure. As the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Hayaa does not bring anything but good' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6117).
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: O Allah, grant to my soul its taqwa, and purify it, for You are the best of those who purify it. You are its Guardian and its Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not fear You, and from a soul that is not satisfied, and from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a supplication that is not heard. (Sahih Muslim 3135)