اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لأَحْسَنِ الأَخْلاَقِ لا يَهْدِي لأَحْسَنِهَا إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا لا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, guide me to the best of character, for no one can guide to the best of it except You. And turn me away from bad character, for no one can turn away from bad character except You.
Allahumma ihdini li ahsan al-akhlaq, la yahdi li ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
This dua is profound for anyone seeking to embody the qualities that make for a truly reliable and good companion. Recite it daily, perhaps after your obligatory prayers, to consciously seek Allah's help in refining your character. Think about the kind of friends you want to have, and then ask Allah to make *you* that kind of friend – someone trustworthy, honest, and kind.
How to Read
With sincerity and a focused heart, ask Allah directly. Imagine yourself being that person who is always true to their word, a good listener, and a source of support. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua as a comprehensive prayer for character development, so internalize its meaning as you recite it.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua asks Allah to bestow upon us the highest standards of character. By cultivating good character, we naturally attract and become the kind of people others can trust and rely on, thus fostering deeper, more meaningful friendships. The Prophet ﷺ himself was the best example of trustworthiness, and by following his example and making this dua, we strive to be a reflection of that nobility.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of deeds and the best of character, and protect me from evil deeds and evil character.' (Sahih Muslim 771)