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 yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is beneficial to recite when looking in the mirror, particularly when reflecting on oneself. It's a powerful moment to seek Allah's protection against inner shortcomings and spiritual ailments, aligning your inner state with your outward appearance and seeking to embody piety and humility.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and heartfelt contemplation. As you look at yourself, internalize the meaning of each phrase. Seek refuge in Allah, acknowledging His power to purify your soul and protect you from harmful influences. It’s best recited when you have a moment of quiet reflection.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a profound spiritual request. It asks Allah to instill Taqwa (God-consciousness) within us, ensuring our actions are guided by piety. It seeks purification of the soul, acknowledging that only Allah can truly purify it. Furthermore, it safeguards us from four dangerous pitfalls: useless knowledge that doesn't lead to action or benefit, a heart devoid of humility and awe of Allah, an insatiable soul that craves worldly possessions or status, and prayers that are not answered due to impediments like unlawful earnings or neglecting one's duties. By reciting this, we aim for inner well-being and spiritual growth.
Source & Authentication
‘Abdullah b. Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to teach them this supplication as he taught them a Surah from the Qur’an: ‘O Allah, I have wronged myself unjustly, and none forgive sins except You. Grant me forgiveness from Yourself and have mercy upon me. Indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful.’ (Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wa la yaghfiru adh-dhunuba illa anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika, warhamni innaka antal Ghafurur Rahim). It is also reported from him: ‘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 yakhsha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha).