اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، 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 Master. 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 not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
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.
When to Read
This powerful dua is especially beneficial to recite during the times when you feel overwhelmed by your weaknesses or find yourself struggling with a persistent bad habit. Make it a regular part of your supplications, perhaps after your obligatory prayers, or during the deep hours of the night when you can focus your heart on seeking Allah's aid.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart, acknowledging your dependence on Allah. Visualize yourself being purified and strengthened by His help. Speak directly to Allah, pouring out your worries and your earnest desire for improvement. Remember that consistency in supplication, coupled with genuine effort on your part, is key.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for spiritual well-being. It asks Allah to grant us the consciousness to fear Him (taqwa), which is the foundation of all good. It seeks purification of the soul, a constant battle against our lower selves. Furthermore, it shields us from unhelpful knowledge, a hardened heart, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers – all ailments that can hinder our spiritual progress and our ability to overcome personal struggles.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: '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 Purifier. 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 humble, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.)