اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَأْلَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness, and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier; You are its Guardian and its Cherisher. 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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa maulaha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when you catch yourself looking in the mirror and finding your thoughts drifting towards comparison. It's when the urge to measure your appearance, status, or blessings against others arises. Recite it as a proactive measure before such thoughts take root, or immediately when you notice them beginning. It's also beneficial as part of your regular supplications.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and reflection. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that true beauty and contentment come from Allah. Imagine seeking His direct help in managing your inner state. Raise your hands as you would in other supplications. It's best recited when you are in a state of mindfulness and can connect with the words.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua addresses the root causes of discontent that often fuel comparison. Seeking Allah's protection from knowledge that doesn't benefit helps redirect focus from superficial external gains to true understanding. Asking for a heart that feels humble and a soul that is satisfied combats the envy and dissatisfaction that comparison breeds. By asking for protection from unanswered supplications, one seeks Allah's acceptance and divine favor, which is the ultimate source of contentment. This prayer helps foster inner peace and gratitude, shifting the focus from what others have to appreciating Allah's blessings upon you, thereby neutralizing the urge to compare when looking in the mirror.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate: 'Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa maulaha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'ain la yusma'. (O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness, and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier; You are its Guardian and its Cherisher. 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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.)