اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لأَحْسَنِ الأَخْلاَقِ لا يَهْدِي لأَحْسَنِهَا إِلا أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا لا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا إِلا 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 akhlaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is perfect to recite at any time, especially after your obligatory prayers (salat). You can make it a part of your morning and evening remembrance (dhikr) as well. Whenever you feel a need to reflect on your manners, improve your interactions, or simply seek Allah's help in being a better person, turn to this dua.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, understanding the profound request you are making to Allah. Raise your hands slightly as you make dua, as is the Sunnah. Imagine the traits of good character – patience, kindness, honesty, humility – and ask Allah to imbue you with them. Feel the dependence on Allah alone for this immense blessing. Repeat it regularly to ingrain the intention in your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is a direct pathway to attaining the most noble character, a quality highly praised in Islam and embodied by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. By asking Allah for guidance to the *best* of character and protection from the *worst*, you are actively seeking Allah's divine assistance in a matter that significantly impacts your life, your relationships, and your hereafter. Good character is a heavy deed on the scales on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Nothing is heavier on the believer's Scale than good character.' (Sahih al-Tirmidhi 2002). Cultivating it through sincere dua shows your commitment to pleasing Allah and following His beloved Messenger.
Source & Authentication
‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: Allahumma ihdini li ahsanil akhlaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta. (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.)