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 none can guide to the best of it except You, and turn me away from bad characters, for none can turn away from bad of it 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 is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any time, especially after the obligatory prayers (Fardh salah). It's particularly beneficial to make this dua when you feel a need to improve your patience, kindness, humility, or any other aspect of your character. Imagine yourself standing before Allah after your salah, sincerely asking Him to shape you into a person who reflects the noble qualities of the mothers of the believers and the female companions (may Allah be pleased with them all).
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and deep contemplation. Raise your hands as you would during supplication. Focus on the meaning of each word, truly asking Allah to guide your heart and actions towards excellent manners and to shield you from undesirable traits. Visualize yourself embodying the grace, strength, and piety of the Sahabiyyat.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's guidance for good character is one of the most beloved acts in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned that the heaviest thing on the scales on the Day of Judgment will be good character (Sahih al-Bukhari 6136, Sahih Muslim 2370). By asking for the best of characters, we are asking for the very essence of faith and a reflection of the Prophet's own mission. The Sahabiyyat, such as Aisha, Khadijah, and Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with them), were pillars of virtue, knowledge, and resilience. Emulating them means striving for Taqwa (consciousness of Allah), kindness, patience, knowledge-seeking, and unwavering devotion.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of characters, for none can guide to the best of it except You, and turn me away from bad characters, for none can turn away from bad of it except You.' (Sahih Muslim 771)