اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَأْلاَهَا، 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 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 ma'laha. 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 potent when looking in the mirror. Seeing our own reflection can be a powerful moment for introspection. We can use this reflection to remind ourselves of our purpose, our connection to Allah, and the need for constant self-improvement and purification of the soul. It's a call to align our outward appearance with our inward state and our actions with Allah's commands.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely while looking at your reflection in the mirror. Focus on each phrase, understanding its meaning and internalizing its plea. This is a personal supplication, so make eye contact with your reflection as a way to engage with yourself and your spiritual journey. The act of looking in the mirror, combined with this dua, can foster humility and a desire for Allah's help in refining our character and deeds.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua addresses several critical aspects of spiritual well-being: seeking Allah's help in attaining piety (taqwa), purifying the soul, and guarding against unbeneficial knowledge, a hard heart, an uncontented soul, and unanswered prayers. By reciting it, we actively seek Allah's assistance in developing a strong moral compass and a heart that is receptive to guidance. It encourages a state of constant self-awareness and reliance on Allah for inner peace and spiritual growth.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say when he looked at himself in the mirror: 'O Allah, give 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 humble, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.' (Sahih Muslim 6582)