اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا ، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا ، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لاَ 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 yash-sha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly relevant when one is observing their reflection. In those moments, it's easy for vanity or self-admiration to creep in, or for feelings of inadequacy to surface. Reciting this dua helps us ground ourselves, seeking Allah’s help to maintain inner balance and spiritual integrity, ensuring our focus remains on pleasing Him rather than being swayed by our outward appearance or internal desires.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with the understanding that true beauty and contentment come from Allah. Focus on each phrase, internalizing its meaning. When looking in the mirror, remember that your outward appearance is a trust from Allah. Seek His help to keep your heart humble, your knowledge beneficial, and your desires aligned with His pleasure. It is best recited with a calm heart, after performing ablution if possible, and with a sincere intention.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication addresses key areas that can lead to self-deception and spiritual weakness: lack of piety, impurity of the soul, lack of contentment, and unanswered prayers. By seeking refuge in Allah from these ailments, we are asking Him to safeguard our inner selves. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to seek protection from four destructive things: knowledge that offers no spiritual or practical benefit; a heart devoid of humility and fear of Allah; an insatiable soul that is never content; and supplications that go unanswered due to our own shortcomings. This protects us from the arrogance that can arise from seeing our reflection, or the despair that can come from dissatisfaction with it, fostering a more balanced and righteous perspective.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Arqam that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught them a supplication to recite at night and during the day: '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.' (Sahih Muslim 1532)