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 humble itself, 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 powerful supplication is particularly relevant when looking in the mirror, a moment for self-reflection. As you observe yourself, it's a fitting time to seek Allah's help in purifying your intentions, grounding your knowledge in action, and ensuring your heart is truly focused on Him. Use it as part of your morning routine or whenever you catch your reflection and feel the need to recommit to your spiritual path.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus on its meaning. When you say 'grant my soul its taqwa,' visualize seeking Allah's protection over your innermost self. As you utter the supplication for refuge, truly feel the need for Allah's protection from the mentioned harms. It is beneficial to say it while looking at your reflection, connecting the external image with the internal plea.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking the highest spiritual qualities: taqwa (God-consciousness) and zakah (purification). It also seeks refuge from four significant spiritual ailments: knowledge that leads nowhere, a heart devoid of awe for Allah, an insatiable soul, and unanswered prayers. By reciting it, you actively engage in seeking Allah's direct intervention for your spiritual well-being and protection from detrimental states.
Source & Authentication
ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say when he stood up for the night prayer: O Allah, Lord of Jibrīl, Mīkāʾīl, and Isrāfīl, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the Unseen and the Seen, You judge between Your servants in that wherein they differ. Guide me in that wherein we differ with Your permission, for verily You guide whomever You will to the straight path. (Then he would say:) O Allah, guide me in that wherein we differ, and bring the truth into the open, and the truth is precious, and then he would recite: 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 humble itself, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered. (Sahih Muslim 2722)