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 to 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 fear You, 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 mawlaha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yash'a', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you catch your reflection and become acutely aware of your shortcomings, your struggles with bad habits, or areas where you fall short of your own aspirations for self-improvement. It's a moment of honest self-assessment, where looking in the mirror can be a stark reminder of the gap between who you are and who you wish to be in pleasing Allah. Recite it at this moment to seek Allah's help in transforming your inner state.
How to Read
Upon seeing your reflection and feeling a pang of self-awareness regarding your flaws or areas needing spiritual growth, pause and look into your own eyes. Recite this supplication with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly asking Allah to grant you the inner strength and divine guidance to overcome these personal battles. It's about acknowledging your weakness and actively turning to the One who can empower you.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication addresses several critical aspects of spiritual well-being. By asking Allah to 'grant my soul its taqwa,' you're seeking the foundational element of faith that guides all actions. The request for purification, 'zakkiha,' is a plea for inner cleansing from negative traits and a nurturing of good ones. Seeking refuge from 'knowledge that does not benefit' prevents intellectual pride or the accumulation of information without practical application. Protection from a 'heart that does not fear' guards against spiritual deadness. The plea against a 'soul that is never satisfied' addresses greed and discontent, while asking for protection from 'a supplication that is not answered' highlights the importance of sincerity and righteousness in our prayers. It's a comprehensive shield against internal ailments and a catalyst for sincere self-rectification.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned in 'Madarij Al-Salikin' that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite this dua, and it is narrated in Sahih Muslim. Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them): The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 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, and purify it, for You are the best to 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 fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.) — Sahih Muslim 5892