اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْ نَفْسِي بِحِفْظِكَ، وَاكْلَأْهَا بِرِعَايَتِكَ، وَاجْعَلْهَا عِنْدَكَ وَدِيعَةً، وَعَوِّدْهَا عَلَى طَاعَتِكَ، وَأَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ.
O Allah, protect my soul with Your protection, and guard it with Your care, and make it a deposit with You, and accustom it to Your obedience, and help me to remember You, and to thank You, and to worship You in the best way.
Allahumma ihfadh nafsi bi hifdhik, wakla'ha bi ri'ayatik, waj'alha 'indaka wadi'atan, wa 'awwidha 'ala ta'atik, wa a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited when one looks at themselves in the mirror before leaving the house. It serves as a reminder that our true beauty and strength come from Allah (SWT), and that our appearance is a trust (amanah) from Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and mindfulness, reflecting on each word. Understand that the mirror reflects the physical self, but this dua connects us to our spiritual self and seeks Allah's (SWT) assistance in maintaining our devotion to Him. It's an act of acknowledging our dependence on Allah (SWT) for our well-being, both outwardly and inwardly.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking Allah's (SWT) protection for our soul, which is a profound spiritual safeguard. It also includes asking for help in remembering Allah (SWT), thanking Him, and worshipping Him in the best manner, thereby enhancing our spiritual connection and purpose. It transforms a mundane act into an opportunity for remembrance and devotion.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'When any one of you looks at himself in the mirror, let him say: 'O Allah, You have made my creation beautiful, so make my character beautiful, and forbid the earth from separating from me, and protect me from the evil of what You have created.' (This narration is from another dua, but the principle of seeking Allah's (SWT) help for inner and outer well-being applies). A more fitting dua for this context is: 'O Allah, protect my soul with Your protection, and guard it with Your care, and make it a deposit with You, and accustom it to Your obedience, and help me to remember You, and to thank You, and to worship You in the best way.' (This dua is found in Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 33, Hadith 3871, and is graded Hasan by some scholars).