اللَّهُمَّ مُصَرِّفَ الْقُلُوبِ صَرِّفْ قُلُوبَنَا عَلَى طَاعَتِكَ
O Allah, Controller of hearts, turn our hearts towards Your obedience.
Allahumma musarrif al-quloobi, sarf quloobana 'ala ta'atik.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when you feel your heart has become hardened, detached from the remembrance of Allah, or resistant to doing good deeds. It's a powerful supplication to make during the night, after prayers, or at any moment you reflect on your spiritual state and find a lack of softness or Khushu' (humility and concentration). It’s also beneficial to recite when dealing with someone whose heart appears hardened, seeking Allah's guidance for them and for yourself.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each word. Imagine Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) holding your heart in His hands and gently turning it towards what pleases Him. Raise your hands as you would in any other supplication. Understand that Allah is the One who turns hearts, and our reliance is solely on Him. Consistency in reciting this dua, even when you don't feel immediate change, is key.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication directly addresses the One who has absolute control over our hearts – Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). By asking Him to turn our hearts towards obedience, we are seeking to align our desires and actions with His will. A soft heart is one that is receptive to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the advice of others. It is a heart that feels the weight of its sins, is quick to repent, and eager to do good. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself frequently made this dua, highlighting its immense importance for every believer's spiritual well-being. A hardened heart can lead to neglecting obligatory acts, falling into sin without remorse, and a general lack of connection with Allah.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'Verily, the hearts of the children of Adam are between two fingers of the Merciful, like one heart. He directs them how He wills.' Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'O Allah, Controller of hearts, turn our hearts towards Your obedience.'