اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَولاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لا 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 Protector. 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 never 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 taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for seeking Allah's help in purifying one's inner self. Recite it regularly, especially when you feel your nafs (ego/lower self) is inclining towards misguidance, or when facing temptations and desires that pull you away from Allah. It's particularly useful in the morning after Fajr prayer, as the day begins, to set a spiritual intention.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Understand the meaning of each phrase and feel the dependence on Allah for inner strength and purity. Raise your hands as you would in supplication, or place your hands on your chest, symbolizing the heart which is the seat of spiritual matters. Believe that Allah, in His mercy, will answer and help you in your struggle.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses the core of spiritual warfare – the battle against one's own lower self (nafs) and the constant need for Allah's guidance. By asking Allah to grant 'taqwa' and purify the soul, we acknowledge that true spiritual strength comes only from Him. Seeking refuge from useless knowledge, hardened hearts, insatiable desires, and unanswered prayers covers the major pitfalls in a believer's spiritual journey. It reminds us that success in inner jihad is contingent upon Allah's help and our earnest seeking of it.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn Abi Dhi'b, from Sa'id al-Maqburi, from Abu Salih, from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to teach them (saying): 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of the Fire, and from the torment of the grave, and from the tribulation of wealth, and from the tribulation of poverty. I seek refuge in You from the tribulation of the Dajjal. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, righteousness, chastity, and freedom from want.' And he narrated: 'O Allah, I ask You for the guidance that You decree for me, and I seek refuge in You from evil.' And he said: 'O Allah, grant my soul its taqwa, and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier. You are its Guardian and its Protector. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not feel humble, and from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.'