اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلاَهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لاَ يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا
O Allah, grant my soul its piety, and purify it, for You are the best to 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 humbled, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma aati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khairu 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 beneficial to recite regularly, particularly in the morning and evening. It's especially relevant when seeking to strengthen one's character, improve inner discipline, and ensure one's actions and desires are aligned with Allah's pleasure. Making it part of your daily remembrance (dhikr) can foster a deeper sense of modesty and righteous living.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding your reliance on Allah for inner strength and purification. Raising your hands slightly, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in supplication, can enhance the feeling of earnestness.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for the most fundamental aspects of a righteous life: taqwa (consciousness of Allah) and zakah (purification of the soul). It seeks protection from four detrimental states: useless knowledge, a hardened heart, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers. By asking for these, one is implicitly seeking hayaa (modesty) and the ability to live a life pleasing to Allah, as these states are the foundation upon which modesty is built. A pure heart and a soul satisfied with what Allah has provided are less prone to vanity or seeking undue attention, which are contrary to hayaa.
Source & Authentication
‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: ‘O Allah, grant my soul its piety, and purify it, for You are the best to 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 humbled, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.’ (Sahih Muslim 1548)