اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي، وَاذْكُرْ بِعَمُودِ رُشْدِي، وَاحْفَظْنِي بِنِعْمَتِكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
O Allah, guide me and set me aright, and remind me to follow the straight path, and protect me by Your favour from the accursed Satan.
Allahumma ihdini wa saddidni, wadhkur bi 'amudi rushdi, wahfadhni bini'matika minash-shaytanir-rajim.
When to Read
This dua is a comprehensive supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to a companion, Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), when he asked for a prayer that would suffice him in this life and the next. It's particularly relevant for parents praying for their children, asking Allah to guide them towards righteousness and protect them from misguidance. Recite it with sincerity during times of personal reflection, after obligatory prayers, or before sleep, directing the intention for your children's moral development.
How to Read
The etiquette of reciting this dua involves understanding its meaning and supplicating with a sincere heart. Face the Qiblah if possible, raise your hands (as the Prophet ﷺ did for many duas), and call upon Allah with earnestness and conviction. Direct your intention towards your children, asking Allah to instill in them a deep-seated sense of justice and fairness. Ensure you are in a state of purity if reciting after prayer. Consistency in making dua is key.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua seeks divine guidance towards the 'straight path' (rushd), which encompasses all that is good and upright, including justice and fairness. By asking Allah to 'set me aright' (saddidni), we are asking for our actions and decisions to be aligned with what is right. The protection from the accursed Satan is also crucial, as misguidance often stems from evil whispers that lead away from truth and justice. Praying this for your children is essentially asking Allah to grant them this innate moral compass and protect them from influences that foster injustice.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Ali: 'Say: O Allah, guide me and set me aright, and remind me to follow the straight path, and protect me by Your favour from the accursed Satan.' (Sahih Muslim 2725)