اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لأَحْسَنِ الأَخْلاقِ لا يَهْدِي لأَحْسَنِها إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي سَيِّئَها لا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّي سَيِّئَها إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
O Allah, guide me to the best of manners, for none can guide to the best of them except You. And turn me away from bad manners, for none can turn away from bad manners except You.
Allahumma ihdini li ahsanil akhlaqi la yahdi li ahsanihā illa anta, waṣrif 'anni sayyi'ahā la yaṣrifu 'anni sayyi'ahā illa anta
When to Read
This is a profound dua that can be recited at any time, but it's particularly beneficial to make it part of your daily supplications, perhaps after your obligatory prayers. When you feel yourself becoming impatient, irritable, or prone to harsh words, this is an excellent dua to invoke. It's a way of proactively asking Allah to shape your character, even when you don't consciously feel a specific need.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and reflection. Understand that good manners are a gift from Allah, and seeking them directly from Him is the most effective way. Raising your hands slightly, as is customary when making dua, can enhance the feeling of supplication. Believe that Allah hears you and has the power to transform your character.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua, which clearly shows the immense importance of good character in Islam. This supplication asks Allah for two crucial things: guidance to the best manners and protection from bad ones. By seeking this, we strive to embody qualities like patience, kindness, honesty, humility, and forgiveness. Good manners are not just about social etiquette; they are a reflection of our inner faith and a means to earn Allah's pleasure and the love of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of you in my sight and the best of you in my estimation are those who have the best of manners, who are most just and most knowing.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3556). This dua helps us achieve that status.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of manners, for none can guide to the best of them except You. And turn me away from bad manners, for none can turn away from bad manners except You.'