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 except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaqi, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrif 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta.
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to make regularly, especially during your daily prayers (after the Tashahhud, before the Salam) or at any time you feel the need to improve your character. Make it a habit each morning and evening to ask Allah for guidance towards excellent character, which is deeply intertwined with following the Sunnah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart, seeking Allah's help directly. Understand that perfecting one's character is a lifelong journey, and this dua is a crucial tool given to us by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to aid us. It's recommended to raise your hands slightly while making this specific supplication, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ for certain duas.
Virtues & Benefits
Excellent character (Husn al-Khuluq) is a cornerstone of our faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'The best among you are those who have the best character.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3559). By asking Allah for guidance to the best of character, we are asking for the qualities that make us beloved to Allah and to His Messenger ﷺ. Adhering to the Sunnah, the Prophet's way of life, naturally leads to good character because his entire life was a manifestation of the highest moral standards. This dua, by extension, is a plea to align ourselves with the Sunnah, which is the blueprint for the best character. The Prophet ﷺ also said: 'Nothing is heavier on the believer's Scale than good character.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 4799, Sahih)
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'O Allah, You have made my creation beautiful, so make my character beautiful.' (Sahih Ibn Hibban 955). Another narration from Sahih Muslim states: Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of deeds and the best of character, for none can guide to the best of them except You. And save me from bad deeds and bad character, for none can save from the bad of them except You.'