اَللّٰهُمَّ اِهْدِنِىْ لِاَحْسَنِ الْاَخْلَاقِ لَا يَهْدِىْ لِاَحْسَنِهَا اِلَّا اَنْتَ وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّىْ سَيِّاَهَا لَا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّىْ سَيِّاَهَا اِلَّا اَنْتَ
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 evil character, for none can turn away from the evil of it except You.
Allahumma ihdini li ahsanil akhlaaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa Anta, wajrif 'anni sayyiaha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyiaha illa Anta.
When to Read
This is a beautiful supplication to make at any time, but especially beneficial after the obligatory prayers (salawat). It's also fitting to recite when you feel a need to improve your disposition or when facing situations that test your patience and manners. Making it a regular part of your morning or evening remembrance (dhikr) can help ingrain its meaning into your heart.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, recognizing that true good character, like all good, is a gift from Allah. Raise your hands as you would for other supplications, focusing on the meaning of the words and the immense power of Allah to shape our inner selves. Believe that with this plea, Allah will indeed guide your actions and reactions towards the noblest of manners.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for the highest form of character, mirroring the exemplary conduct of the Prophets (peace be upon them all). By seeking this guidance, we aim to embody virtues like honesty, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and humility – qualities that not only please Allah but also foster stronger relationships and a more peaceful society. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was sent, as stated in another hadith, 'to perfect good character' (Musnad Ahmad 21304, Sahih). Making this dua is a way of striving to follow in his footsteps and attain that perfection.
Source & Authentication
‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: اَللّٰهُمَّ اِهْدِنِىْ لِاَحْسَنِ الْاَخْلَاقِ لَا يَهْدِىْ لِاَحْسَنِهَا اِلَّا اَنْتَ وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّىْ سَيِّاَهَا لَا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّىْ سَيِّاَهَا اِلَّا اَنْتَ. '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 evil character, for none can turn away from the evil of it except You.'