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 manners, for no one can guide to the best of them except You, and turn me away from bad manners, for no one can turn away from bad ones 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 dua is perfect to recite at any time, but especially after any interaction where you feel you could have shown more understanding or empathy. You can make it a regular part of your morning routine after Fajr prayer, or whenever you find yourself struggling to connect with someone's perspective.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity, focusing on the meaning and the qualities of good character you wish to cultivate. Imagine Allah (SWT) hearing your plea and granting you the ability to see things from others' viewpoints. It's a personal supplication, so speaking it from the heart is key.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's guidance to the best of manners is fundamental to building a strong character and fostering healthy relationships. Empathy and understanding are cornerstones of a compassionate society. This dua directly asks the Creator, who knows our hearts and minds best, to shape our character towards good. By cultivating these qualities, we become better friends, family members, colleagues, and Muslims, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ own noble character. The Prophet ﷺ himself embodied empathy, always seeking to understand and be merciful towards others, even those who wronged him.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of manners, for no one can guide to the best of them except You, and turn me away from bad manners, for no one can turn away from bad ones except You.' (Sahih Muslim 771)