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 is not humbled, 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 yash'a', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent when you look at yourself, whether in a mirror or in reflection. When you notice your shortcomings, your spiritual illnesses, or the ways you've fallen short, this is the perfect time to turn to Allah. It's a moment for deep introspection, seeking Allah's help to rectify what's wrong within.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Picture your soul and ask Allah to cleanse it. When you mention seeking refuge from specific ills, reflect on whether they are present in you and truly desire to be free from them. It's best recited when you are alone and can concentrate on your inner state.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive supplication asks Allah for the most fundamental aspects of spiritual well-being: piety (taqwa), inner purification (zakah), and freedom from spiritual maladies. Seeking refuge from useless knowledge, hardened hearts, insatiable souls, and unanswered prayers addresses key areas where we can falter. It’s a holistic plea for a sound inner state, which is the foundation for all our actions and our relationship with Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Zayd ibn Arqam: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "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 is not humbled, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered."