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 دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
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 feel humbled, 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 du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when you find yourself reflecting on your character or facing your own image in the mirror. The act of looking in the mirror can be a powerful moment for introspection. By reciting this, you invite Allah's help in identifying and rectifying your shortcomings, asking Him to instill the righteousness and purity of heart that is essential for self-improvement.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and earnestness, ideally while looking at your reflection in the mirror. Focus on each part of the dua: acknowledging Allah as the source of purity, seeking His protection from useless knowledge, hardness of heart, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers. Let the words resonate with your inner self, truly seeking Allah's assistance in seeing yourself as He sees you, and striving to please Him.
Virtues & Benefits
This profound supplication is taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to seek Allah's assistance in cultivating true self-awareness. It helps in recognizing that genuine purification and righteousness come only from Allah. By asking for protection against harmful knowledge, a dry heart, excessive desires, and unanswered pleas, one actively seeks a balanced and spiritually healthy life, which is crucial for correcting personal flaws and striving for excellence in character. It aligns our inner state with our outward appearance, leading to a more authentic and pleasing existence before our Creator.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Arqam that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught them a supplication to say at the time of prayer: '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 du'a'in la yusma'.' (Sahih Muslim 6306)