اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لِأَحْسَنِ الْأَخْلَاقِ، لَا يَهْدِي لِأَحْسَنِهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا، لَا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ
O Allah, guide me to the best of conduct and character, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn me away from bad conduct and character, for none can turn away from bad of it except You.
Allahumma ihdini li ahsanil akhlaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa Anta, waisrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta.
When to Read
Recite this dua before entering any interfaith dialogue meeting or any gathering where understanding and harmony are needed. It's a prayer for internal guidance that will reflect outwardly in your interactions.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity, focusing on the meaning of the words. Raise your hands as you would in supplication, with conviction that Allah is the only one who can grant true understanding and good character.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, seeks Allah's direct guidance in refining one's character to the highest standards. By asking Allah to lead us to the best of manners and to shield us from bad ones, we are essentially asking for the ability to be open-minded, respectful, and wise in our dealings with others, which is crucial for productive interfaith dialogue.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah: The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I have asked You for the good and the bad conduct (of the people). O Allah, guide me to the best of conduct and the best of deeds, and protect me from bad conduct and bad deeds, O Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in the affair (of religion) and steadfastness in making a decision, and I ask You for the reasons for Your mercy and the resolve to do that which is right, and I ask You for the resolve to be grateful for Your blessings and to worship You in the best manner. I ask You for a sound heart and a truthful tongue, and 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 Your forgiveness for all sins.' - Sahih Muslim 771. The specific portion relevant here is: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of conduct and character, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn me away from bad conduct and character, for none can turn away from bad of it except You.'