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 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 khairu 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 poignant when you catch your reflection and notice the subtle, or not so subtle, signs of aging – a new grey hair, a wrinkle deepening, or simply a sense of time slipping away. It's a moment to pause, look inward, and seek Allah's solace and guidance. Recite it as you prepare for your day, after your prayers, or whenever the thought of life's fleeting nature arises.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and contemplation. As you say the words, visualize seeking Allah's protection for your inner self and your spiritual well-being. Let the supplication resonate within you, acknowledging your reliance on Allah for inner peace and contentment, especially when confronting the physical realities of passing time. It's beautiful to recite this while looking in the mirror, connecting the outward signs of time with an inward plea for spiritual purification and approval.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication addresses several core aspects of a Muslim's life. Seeking Allah's gift of piety (taqwa) is the foundation of our faith, leading to righteous actions. Asking for purification of the soul (tazkiyah) ensures our inner state is pleasing to Allah. The plea for refuge from unbeneficial knowledge, a hard heart, an unsatisfied soul, and unanswered prayers covers crucial areas of spiritual and practical well-being. It helps in maintaining focus on what truly matters: seeking Allah's pleasure and living a life that aligns with His guidance, even as our worldly time diminishes.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach this dua to his Companions, emphasizing its importance for spiritual well-being and protection from detrimental states. This specific phrasing comes from a narration where the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say this when waking up for the night prayers, but its meaning encompasses broader seeking of refuge and purification.