اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ.
O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa (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 never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.
Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkihah anta khayru man zakkaha, anta waliyyuha wa mawlahah. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa', wa min qalbin la yashcha', wa min nafsin la tashba', wa min du'a'in la yusma'.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when feeling spiritual dryness, doubt, or when the heart feels heavy and distant from Allah. It can be recited anytime, but is especially potent after the obligatory prayers or during times of personal reflection and sincere seeking.
How to Read
Recite this dua with full presence and sincerity, focusing on each part of the supplication. Imagine Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) hearing your plea. Feel the weight of the 'sickness of the heart' you are seeking refuge from, and the earnestness with which you ask for purification and protection.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua addresses several critical aspects of spiritual well-being. Seeking taqwa means striving for piety and obedience to Allah, which is the foundation of a healthy spiritual life. Asking for purification of the heart is essential, as the heart is the center of our faith and emotions. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sought refuge from useless knowledge, which can lead to arrogance rather than guidance, and from a heart that doesn't possess khushu' (humility and reverence), a key element for accepting Allah's signs. The plea against an insatiable soul and unanswered prayers highlights the need for contentment and earnest supplication.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: 'O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa and purify it; You are the best to purify it. You are its Guardian and its Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that is of no avail, from a heart that is not imbued with reverence, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard.' (Sahih Muslim 2722)