اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَأْوَاهَا، 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 Dwelling. 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 mawaha. 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
Recite this dua when you feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, comparing yourself to others, or experiencing a general sense of inadequacy. It's particularly beneficial when these insecurities lead to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, or a lack of contentment with your own state.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did when making dua. It's best recited after the obligatory prayers, or during the times when dua is more likely to be accepted, such as the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah. Reflect on the specific areas where you feel insecure and ask Allah to grant you inner peace and acceptance.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua addresses the root of many personal insecurities. Seeking Allah's protection from 'knowledge that does not benefit' guards against wasting time on useless pursuits that can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Asking for a 'heart that does not feel humble' protects against arrogance and allows for true introspection. Beseeching a 'soul that is not satisfied' cultivates contentment and gratitude. Finally, seeking refuge from an unanswered supplication highlights the importance of earnest and accepted prayers in overcoming trials. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often recite this dua, indicating its immense importance for spiritual well-being.
Source & Authentication
The narration states that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate: Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawaha. 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. (O Allah, grant my soul its piety, and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. You are its Guardian and its Dwelling. 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 2722.