اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا
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.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha wa zakkiha, anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawlaha
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any time, especially during the times when duaa is more likely to be answered, such as after prayers, in the last third of the night, or when experiencing a moment of reflection. It is particularly relevant when seeking to strengthen one's character, increase in modesty, and strive for righteous deeds.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt understanding of its meaning. Picture Allah (SWT) as your Guardian and Master, and humbly ask Him to bestow piety and purity upon your soul. It is beneficial to reflect on the words and internalize the request, truly desiring the inner transformation it asks for. Raising your hands slightly while making dua is a recommended practice when asking Allah for something.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah (SWT) to bestow the twin virtues of piety (taqwa) and inner purification (zakah). Taqwa is the consciousness of Allah that guards us against wrongdoing, and zakah in this context refers to the purification of the soul from vices and adornment with virtues. By asking Allah, the Ultimate Purifier, we acknowledge our dependence on Him for spiritual growth. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua because true modesty and righteousness stem from a heart that is consciously aware of Allah and purified by His grace. It encapsulates the essence of seeking inner strength and moral uprightness.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) 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." (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 fear, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.)