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 دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا
O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa (piety, consciousness of You), 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 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 da'watin la yustajabu laha.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite regularly, especially after your obligatory prayers or during times when you feel a need to increase your piety, satisfaction, and reliance on Allah. It helps to purify the self and seek Allah's protection from spiritual ailments that can hinder generosity, such as stinginess or unfulfilled desires.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a conscious heart, reflecting on each phrase. Raise your hands as you would for other supplications. It's best recited when you are in a state of purity and focus, seeking Allah's help directly. Remember that sincerity in seeking Allah's aid is paramount.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses seeking Allah's help for several crucial spiritual states that underpin true generosity. By asking for taqwa and purification, we seek the inner strength to spend in Allah's way. Seeking refuge from a soul that is not satisfied addresses the root of greed and stinginess. A satisfied soul is more inclined to give, recognizing that true wealth and contentment come from Allah. Furthermore, seeking refuge from unanswered supplications implicitly includes asking for our duas for financial blessings and the ability to use them wisely to be accepted.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate with these words: 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 دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا (Sahih Muslim 4080). This shows the Prophet's ﷺ reliance on Allah for spiritual well-being, which directly impacts our actions, including our generosity.