اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَأْوَاهَا، 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 Purifier. You are its Guardian and its Protector. 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 ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa ma'waha. 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 is a comprehensive dua the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to make frequently. Recite it regularly, especially when you feel vulnerable to engaging in or being affected by gossip and slander. It's a beautiful prayer to make at any time, seeking Allah's protection for your inner self and your outward actions.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and presence of heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, asking Allah to shield you from harmful knowledge, a hard heart, and an insatiable soul – all of which can lead to harmful speech. Raising your hands as you make dua is a recommended practice, though not obligatory.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses the internal states that can lead to engaging in or being drawn into gossip and slander. By asking for taqwa (God-consciousness), purification of the soul, and protection from useless knowledge, an unhumbled heart, and an unsatisfied self, we are building a strong defense against such destructive habits. A pure heart and beneficial knowledge naturally steer us away from backbiting and calumny. This prayer is a holistic approach to cultivating good character, as taught by our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say: 'Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa ma'waha. 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 Purifier. You are its Guardian and its Protector. 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.)