اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهَا، وَإِنَّ رَبِّي عَلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness and purify it, for You are the best to purify it. You are its Guardian and its Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of all creatures You are holding by their forelocks. Verily, my Lord is on a straight path.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawlaha. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min sharri nafsi, wa min sharri kulli dabbatin anta akhidun binasiyatiha, wa inna Rabbi 'ala siratin mustaqim.
When to Read
This profound dua is excellent to recite whenever you look in the mirror, perhaps after grooming or preparing for your day. Reflecting on your appearance can be a moment to remember your purpose, your dependence on Allah, and to seek His help in maintaining inner purity and outward conduct.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and full presence. As you utter the words, visualize Allah's power and your reliance on Him. Connect the prayer for purification of the soul with the act of observing your outward form, seeking a balance between the inner and outer self. It's a personal supplication, so let it flow from your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encompasses seeking Allah's help in attaining taqwa (consciousness of Allah) and purifying the soul. It acknowledges Allah as the ultimate Purifier and Protector, seeking refuge from inner evil and the evil of all creation. By reciting this, we remind ourselves of Allah's absolute control and guidance, finding solace and strength in His straight path.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Malik Ash'ari: The Prophet ﷺ said: "...The prayer is a light, charity is a proof, patience is illumination, and the Quran is a leverage for you or against you. All people go out in the morning and they barter their souls, and they set themselves free or they destroy themselves. It is related that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: 'When any one of you performs his Salat, he should not look about, for Allah turns His face towards the face of His servant as long as he does not turn about. He (the Prophet ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness and purify it, for You are the best to purify it. You are its Guardian and its Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of all creatures. Verily, my Lord is on a straight path.'" (Sahih Muslim 2708)