اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي، وَاذْكُرْ هُدَايَ فِي التُّقَى، وَاسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالتَّقْوَى، وَاغْفِرْ لِي يَا غَفُورُ
O Allah, guide me and make me firm (in righteousness). Remember my guidance in Taqwa (consciousness of Allah), employ me with Taqwa, and forgive me, O Forgiver.
Allahumma ihdini wa saddidni, wadhkur hudaya fit-tuqa, wasta'milni bit-tuqa, waghfir li ya Ghafur.
When to Read
This beautiful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is perfect for parents to recite for their children, or for children to learn and recite themselves, especially during times of moral decision-making, when facing peer pressure, or simply as part of their daily supplications. It’s a prayer for overall guidance and righteousness, encompassing the very essence of an upright character.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and focus, visualizing your child embodying honesty and integrity. You can place your hand on your child's head while reciting it, or say it after each obligatory prayer. The key is the heartfelt plea to Allah for His divine guidance and protection for the child's character.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for Allah’s help in developing a strong moral compass. By asking for guidance ('ihdini') and steadfastness ('saddidni'), we are seeking Allah's assistance to stay on the straight path. The emphasis on 'Taqwa' (consciousness of Allah) is crucial, as it is the internal compass that steers individuals away from wrongdoing and towards accountability in all actions. Asking Allah to 'employ us with Taqwa' means to actively use this consciousness in our daily lives, making it a living principle. Finally, the plea for forgiveness is a reminder of our human fallibility and the need for Allah's mercy, even as we strive for righteousness.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Sayyidina Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood to pray, he would say: 'My face is turned towards Him Who brought forth the heavens and the earth, as a pure monotheist, and I am not among the idolaters. Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. That is what I have been commanded, and I am of the Muslims. O Allah, You are the King, and there is no god but You. You are the First and there is nothing before You. You are the Last and there is nothing after You. You are the Manifest and there is nothing above You. You are the Hidden and there is nothing beneath You. Forgive me my sins, the sins of what has passed and the sins of what will come, the sins that I have committed in secret and the sins that I have committed openly. Forgive me my mistakes and my ignorance, and the exaggeration in my affairs. O Allah, I ask You for the best of what You know, and I seek refuge in You from the worst of what You know, and I seek forgiveness from You for all knowledge that You know. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, I ask You for the best of what You ask Your slaves for, and I seek refuge in You from the evil from which Your slaves seek refuge. O Allah, grant me sustenance and make me steadfast, and guide me and grant me sufficient provision. O Allah, I ask You for guidance and righteousness and abstinence (from evil) and contentment.' (The narrator then mentioned the Dua): 'Allahumma ihdini wa saddidni, wadhkur hudaya fit-tuqa, wasta'milni bit-tuqa, waghfir li ya Ghafur.'