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 دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا.
O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. 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 humble, 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 yashcha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.*
When to Read
This dua is especially potent when looking into a mirror. Seeing your reflection can be a powerful moment for self-accountability. It's a time to reflect on your interactions with others, your intentions, and your actions. When you see yourself, you're reminded of your own humanity, your flaws, and your potential for growth. Recite this after reflecting on how you can improve your relationships, seeking Allah's help to be a better person to those around you.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and humility. Imagine Allah listening to your plea. As you look at your reflection, internalize the request for Allah to purify your soul and make it conscious of Him. Ask for the strength to act upon your resolve to mend and improve relationships.
Virtues & Benefits
This profound supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), covers essential aspects of spiritual well-being. It seeks Allah's help in developing Taqwa (God-consciousness), which is the bedrock of all good character and actions, including our interactions with others. By asking for a heart that feels humble, a soul that is content, and beneficial knowledge, we are asking for the internal tools needed to foster healthier relationships. It guards against useless endeavors and unfulfilled desires, directing our focus towards what truly matters in life and in our dealings with the creation.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'There is no one who commits a sin then performs Wudu and prays two rak'ahs, then asks Allah for forgiveness for that sin, but Allah will forgive him.' Then he recited this verse: 'And those who, when they have committed immorality or wronged themselves with transgression, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and do not persist in what they have done while they know.' [Al-i-'Imran 3:135]. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say: 'O Allah, improve my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs; improve my worldly life in which is my livelihood; and improve my Hereafter in which is my return. Make my life a provision for good in every matter and make my death a relief from every evil. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-sufficiency.' And it was narrated from 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say: 'O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. 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 humble, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.'