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 taqwa (consciousness of You), and purify it, for You are the best to purify it. You are its Protector and its Guardian. 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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawaha. 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 dua is especially potent when you feel the urge to speak ill of someone, or when you are tempted by idle talk that might lead to backbiting (ghibah) or slander (buhtan). Recite it before engaging in conversations, especially in groups, or when you find yourself in situations where gossip is prevalent.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Picture your soul receiving the taqwa and purification you are asking for. Understand that seeking refuge in Allah from harmful knowledge, a hard heart, an insatiable soul, and unanswered prayers are all interconnected with guarding your tongue from sins like gossip and slander. Make it a regular habit, particularly in the morning.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive supplication directly asks Allah to imbue your soul with God-consciousness and purity, which are the bedrock of resisting any sin, including harmful speech. By seeking refuge from knowledge that doesn't benefit, you're asking for wisdom to discern what is worth speaking about. A humble heart is less prone to pride that fuels criticism, and a satisfied soul isn't driven by envy or malice to tear others down. Protecting yourself from unanswered prayers is a reminder that our actions, including our speech, have consequences that can affect our relationship with Allah. Guarding your tongue is a key aspect of Islamic conduct.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Zayd ibn Arqam: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa, and purify it, for You are the best to purify it. You are its Protector and its Guardian. 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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.' [Sahih Muslim 2722]