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 taqwa (consciousness of You), 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 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 dua is particularly relevant when looking in the mirror, especially if you find yourself prone to vanity, excessive self-admiration, or if your reflection triggers negative thoughts or desires. It's a way to seek Allah's protection over your inner state, reminding you that true worth and satisfaction come from Him, not from outward appearances. Recite it before or after you see your reflection, as a conscious act of seeking Allah's help in maintaining purity of heart and intention.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with a humble heart, reflecting on each phrase. Focus on the plea for divine purification and protection from internal ailments of the heart and soul. Ensure your intention is solely to please Allah and guard yourself against spiritual harm. It is best recited in Arabic, but if unable, the transliteration or translation can be used while striving to learn the Arabic.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses seeking Allah's help in achieving piety and inner purity, guarding against harmful knowledge that doesn't lead to action or fear of Allah, a hardened heart that is unresponsive to His signs, an insatiable soul prone to greed or discontent, and unanswered prayers. By reciting it, you are actively seeking Allah's protection for your spiritual well-being, which is paramount when facing the potential distractions of the physical world, including one's own appearance. It reinforces the understanding that true beauty and fulfillment lie in one's connection with Allah.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Arqam that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa, 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 humble, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered."