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 Purifier. You are its Guardian and 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 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 du'a'in la yusma'
When to Read
This dua is a comprehensive plea for spiritual well-being. It's particularly fitting to recite it during your daily prayers (after Tashahhud but before Salam), or at any time you feel the need to strengthen your connection with Allah and seek His help in overcoming personal shortcomings. Making it a regular part of your morning or evening remembrance can also be very beneficial.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and deep reflection, directing your heart and mind solely to Allah. Imagine His presence and His power to transform your inner state. Understand that asking Allah to 'grant your soul its piety' and 'purify it' is a direct acknowledgment that true purification comes only from Him. Repeating it consistently will, insha'Allah, keep your intention pure and your heart attentive to your spiritual journey.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication addresses several key areas of spiritual vulnerability: the need for piety and inner purification, the desire for beneficial knowledge, a heart that is in awe of Allah, a soul that is content and not driven by endless desires, and supplications that are accepted. By asking for protection from these negative states, we are actively seeking Allah's assistance in becoming better Muslims, whose actions and intentions are aligned with His pleasure.
Source & Authentication
ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to say: 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 (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 du'a'in la yusma') Translation: O Allah, grant my soul its piety and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. You are its Guardian and 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.