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 bad character from me except You.
Allahumma ihdini li ahsanil akhlaqi, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta.
When to Read
This is a foundational dua for anyone seeking to improve their character, particularly the trait of being welcoming and friendly. You can recite it daily, especially after your obligatory prayers, or whenever you feel a need to focus on refining your interactions with others. Making it a habit will help you consistently seek Allah's help in becoming a more pleasant and approachable person.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of the words: actively asking Allah to shape your character towards the best and to remove any negative traits that hinder your ability to be welcoming. Raising your hands slightly is part of the Sunnah when making dua, and doing so with conviction amplifies its spiritual effect.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly addresses the core of character development. By asking Allah to guide you to the 'best of character' (أَحْسَنِ الْأَخْلَاقِ), you are seeking the qualities that make a Muslim beloved to Allah and His creation. A welcoming and friendly disposition is a reflection of inner goodness, patience, and empathy – hallmarks of a strong believer. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself exemplified this, and his character is described in the Quran as being 'of tremendous character' (Al-Qalam 68:4). Developing this trait leads to stronger relationships, a more harmonious community, and brings you closer to the Prophet's ﷺ Sunnah.
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I lost Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) one night and found him in the mosque in a prostrated position. I said: 'He is worshipping in his mosque.' He prostrated until I heard him say: 'O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and the Great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of everything, the Revealer of the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an, the Splitter of the seed and the date stone. I seek refuge in You from the evil of every thing that You have seized by its forelock. O Allah, You are the First, than Whom nothing is before You. You are the Last, than Whom nothing is after You. You are the Apparent, than Whom nothing is above You. You are the Hidden, than Whom nothing is nearer than You. Settle Your debt for us and enrich us from poverty.' And this is the wording transmitted by Muslim: '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 bad character from me except You.'