Step 1: Ask Allah to Invite You

Nothing begins without Allah. The desire to draw near is itself a gift from Him. Ask Allah — from the depths of your heart — to guide you and to open the door of purification.

“You do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.” — Qur’an 28:56

Du‘ā: “O Allah, grant my soul its taqwā (God-consciousness) and purify it — You are the best to purify it. You are its Guardian and Master. — Sahih Muslim”

Step 2: Repent Sincerely (Tawbah)

Repentance is the water of the heart — washing away what distances you from your Lord. Even subtle stains can dull the soul. Tawbah is not just for major sins; it’s for anything that turns us away from Allah.

“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins…” — Qur’an 39:53

Repentance includes regret, stopping the sin, resolving not to return, and asking Allah for forgiveness. Say: “Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaih.”

Step 3: Purify Your Intention

You’re not doing this to be impressive or admired. You’re doing it to please Allah. Renew your intention often and check your sincerity.

“Actions are judged by intentions…” — Hadith, Bukhari & Muslim

Ask yourself: “Who am I doing this for?”

Step 4: Seek Knowledge

You cannot purify your soul with guesswork. Study the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the teachings of scholars of the heart. Begin with sincerity, patience, and remembrance.

“Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” — Qur’an 39:9

Even one authentic book or one trusted teacher can change your path.

Step 5: Hold Yourself to Account

Practice daily self-reflection (muhāsabah). Ask yourself: What did I feed my heart today? Where did I fall short? What do I need to purify?

“The intelligent one is he who calls himself to account…” — Hadith, Tirmidhi

Even a few quiet minutes at night can transform your awareness and sincerity.

Final Note: Tazkiyah begins with return, not perfection. Every step counts. When you walk toward Allah, He comes running toward you.

“And when he draws near to Me by a handspan, I draw near to him by an arm’s length…” — Hadith Qudsi