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 character, for none can guide to the best of it except You, and turn me away from bad character, for none can turn away from bad of it except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaaqi, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta
When to Read
This dua is incredibly relevant whenever you seek to connect with people of good character, whether it's for a planned meeting with a righteous scholar, a teacher, or even when hoping to benefit from the company of pious individuals in general. It’s also excellent to recite before attending gatherings where knowledge is shared or spiritual reflection is encouraged. You can make this a part of your daily supplications, especially after the Fard prayers, to cultivate a disposition that attracts positive and beneficial interactions.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction, focusing on the meaning of the words. Raising your hands is appropriate as you are making a supplication to Allah. Imagine the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or a righteous scholar, and ask Allah to grant you the ability to meet them, and more importantly, to attain the excellent character that such individuals embody. It's about seeking Allah's help to become a person worthy of such beneficial company, and to be able to learn and grow from it.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua focuses on cultivating excellent character, which is the foundation for beneficial relationships and learning. By asking Allah to guide you to the best of character and protect you from bad character, you are essentially asking for the qualities that would make you a receptive student and a welcome companion to righteous individuals. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was sent to perfect good manners, and seeking this guidance is a direct way to emulate his mission. Such company is a means of gaining knowledge, strengthening faith, and reminding oneself of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'A person is on the religion of his closest friend, so let one of you look at whom he takes as a close friend.' (Abu Dawud 4833, Sahih) This dua helps ensure you seek and attract such good company.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaaqi, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta.' (O Allah, guide me to the best of character, for none can guide to the best of it except You, and turn me away from bad character, for none can turn away from bad of it except You.) — Sahih Muslim 771