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 none can guide to the best of them except You. And turn me away from bad manners, for none can turn away bad manners from me 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 to recite at any time, especially when you notice yourself becoming impatient, judgmental, or finding it difficult to connect with someone's perspective. Reciting it after Salah or during moments of quiet reflection can be particularly beneficial.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, focusing on the meaning. Raise your hands if you are making dua individually, as is the Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used to repeat this dua frequently, showing us its importance.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, directly addresses the cultivation of good character, which is a cornerstone of our faith. Empathy and understanding are vital components of excellent manners (husn al-khuluq). By asking Allah to guide us to the *best* manners and protect us from the *worst*, we are seeking divine assistance in developing compassion, patience, and the ability to see things from others' viewpoints. Good character is a heavy weight on the scales on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Nothing is heavier in the believer's scale than good character.' (Sahih al-Tirmidhi 2003, Sahih al-Albani). Developing empathy allows us to build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and truly embody the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: "O Allah, as You have beautifully made my creation, so make my character beautiful." And he used to supplicate: "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 bad manners from me except You."