اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا.
O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it, for You are the best of those who purify it. 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 awe, 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 dua is particularly poignant when looking in the mirror after experiencing a setback, failure, or a period of difficulty. It's a moment to reconnect with ourselves and seek Allah's help in maintaining inner strength and a balanced perspective. Reciting it before important tasks or moments of self-reflection can also be beneficial.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that true purification and contentment come from Allah. It is best recited while looking at one's reflection in the mirror, as a reminder that our external appearance is a reflection of our inner state, and it is Allah who guides both.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication, taught by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, addresses several key aspects of inner well-being. Seeking Allah's help for piety and purification of the soul is crucial for a healthy self-image. It also protects us from useless knowledge, hardened hearts, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers – all of which can contribute to a distorted or fragile sense of self, especially when facing adversity. By seeking refuge in Allah, we anchor our self-worth in something eternal, not in fleeting circumstances.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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.' (Sahih Muslim 1599)