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 characters, for no one can guide to the best of them except You. And divert me from the evil of characters, for no one can divert from the evil of them 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 dua is perfect for anytime we feel we're falling short in our dealings with others, or when we're striving to become better Muslims. It’s particularly powerful when recited afterobligatory prayers, or during the blessed times like the last third of the night, when supplications are more likely to be accepted. You can also make it part of your daily routine, perhaps upon waking or before sleeping, as a constant supplication for self-improvement.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt intention to embody the best of manners. Imagine the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, known for his unparalleled character, as you ask Allah to bestow this gift upon you. Raise your hands as you would in any supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible, and pour your heart out to your Creator. Believe that Allah, in His infinite mercy, hears your call and has the power to transform your character.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is a direct acknowledgment of Allah's sole power to guide us to excellence in character. By asking Him specifically, we are seeking the very best, recognizing that human effort alone is insufficient. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, despite being the best of creation, constantly turned to Allah for guidance in all aspects of his life, including his character. This dua helps us cultivate humility, recognize our dependence on Allah, and actively work towards embodying the virtues of patience, kindness, honesty, and compassion that are so central to our faith. It’s a proactive step in fulfilling the Islamic ideal of good character, which is a cornerstone of our religion.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: "Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaqi wa ahsin li-qawli wa fi'li" – 'O Allah, guide me to the best of characters and to the best of actions and deeds.' And it was narrated from him: "Allahumma, ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaqi, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wansrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta." – 'O Allah, guide me to the best of characters, for no one can guide to the best of them except You. And divert me from the evil of characters, for no one can divert from the evil of them except You.'