اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَأْوَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa (piety/consciousness of You), and purify it, for You are the best of those who purify it. You are its Guardian and its ultimate destination. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not humble itself, 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 ma'waha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yash'a', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when looking in the mirror, especially in moments when one might be susceptible to vanity, self-admiration that leads to arrogance, or comparing oneself unfavorably to others. It's a reminder to seek Allah's help in maintaining inner purity and spiritual focus amidst the potential for worldly allure.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with heartfelt intention. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, reflecting on your reliance on Allah for spiritual strength. It's best recited at a moment of reflection, such as when you catch your own eye in the mirror and feel the need to ground yourself in your faith.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication helps guard against the subtle dangers of vanity and self-obsession. By asking Allah to grant piety and purify the soul, we seek protection from harmful knowledge (that doesn't lead to action or fear of Allah), a heart that is hardened or unfeeling, an insatiable soul that craves more and more of this world, and prayers that go unanswered due to a lack of sincerity or righteous intention.
Source & Authentication
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek refuge (in Allah) in his prayer saying: "Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khairu man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa ma'waha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yash'a', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'." (Sahih Muslim 1500)