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 دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa (consciousness of You), 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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khairu 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 du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is beautifully suited for recitation when one looks in the mirror. Seeing our reflection is a moment of self-awareness. We can use this opportunity to ask Allah for inner purity and the strength to perform good deeds, ensuring our outward appearance is matched by our inner state and actions.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, reflecting on each part. Seek Allah's help for a heart that fears Him, a soul content with His decree, and knowledge that leads to righteous action. It's an intimate plea, so saying it quietly while looking at your reflection can enhance the personal connection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for spiritual well-being. It asks for Allah's gift of God-consciousness, inner purification, and freedom from negative traits like unbeneficial knowledge, a hard heart, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers. It’s a powerful way to begin or end a period of self-reflection, aligning our external self with our inner aspirations for righteousness.
Source & Authentication
Al-Qasim bin Muhammad reported: Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say: 'O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa, 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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.'