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 humble itself, 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 da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This profound supplication is especially relevant when looking in the mirror. Seeing our reflection is a powerful moment for self-reflection. It's an opportune time to ask Allah for inner guidance, for the wisdom to make righteous decisions, and to ensure our actions are driven by taqwa (consciousness of Allah). Use it as a reminder of our reliance on Him for clarity and spiritual well-being.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus while looking at your reflection. Understand the meaning of each phrase. Feel the humility in asking Allah for inner purification and for protection against detrimental things like unbeneficial knowledge or a heedless heart. Ensure you are in a state of Wudu if possible, and face the Qiblah if convenient, although the core is the intention and the words.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking the best for one's soul, asking for the purification that only Allah can bestow, and protection from spiritual ailments. Asking for protection from 'knowledge that does not benefit' guards against accumulating information without applying it for good or understanding. Seeking protection from a 'heart that does not humble itself' is crucial for genuine spirituality and obedience. A 'soul that is not satisfied' can lead to greed and discontent, while an unanswered 'supplication' is a sign of something potentially hindering our connection with Allah. When recited during self-reflection, it becomes a tool for constant spiritual check-up and improvement, fostering a desire for wisdom in all decisions.
Source & Authentication
ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would often say when he turned over in bed: Allahumma bika aʿudhu min ghara<u>b</u>i <u>dh</u>-<u>dh</u>unbi wa min <u>sh</u>ayṭāni a<u>sh</u>-<u>sh</u>ayṭāni wa min kulli shayʾin tuʾkhidhhu bi nāṣiyatihi. Allahumma a'udhu bika min <u>gh</u>aḍabika wa min ʿiqābika, wa aʿudhu bika min <u>gh</u>amzī<u>sh</u>-<u>sh</u>ayṭāni wa aʿudhu bika an yaḥḍurūni. ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: He mentioned a lengthy supplication. Then ʿĀʾishah narrated from the Prophet (ﷺ) that he said: Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawlahu. 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. (Allahumma, 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 humble itself, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.)