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 دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ
O Allah, grant my soul its piety 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 knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khairu 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 du'a'in la yusma'
When to Read
This is a profound dua that can be recited at any time, but it's especially pertinent when you see your parents struggling to stand up for what is right, facing opposition, or feeling hesitant to speak truth due to fear or societal pressure. You can make this dua for them during your personal supplications, after prayers, or during times of ease.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning. Imagine Allah Almighty bestowing courage and clarity upon your parents' hearts and tongues. It's best to raise your hands slightly, as is customary when making dua, and to face the Qiblah if possible.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua seeks Allah's help in establishing piety (taqwa) within the heart, which is the foundation of all good character and actions, including the courage to speak truth. It asks for purification of the soul, protection from useless knowledge and a heart that lacks reverence, and a soul that is never content with less than Allah's pleasure. By asking for refuge from a supplication that is not heard, we are asking for our duas to be accepted, implying that our requests for our parents will be granted. This indirectly supports their ability to speak truth by seeking Allah's ultimate acceptance and assistance.
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite: 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 دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَعُ. (Sahih Muslim 2722)