اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لأَحْسَنِ الأَخْلاقِ، 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 divert me from bad manners, for no one can divert me from bad manners except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
This is a beautiful supplication to recite daily, especially after your obligatory prayers. You can make it part of your morning or evening remembrance (dhikr). Whenever you feel a slip in your character or a desire to improve, turn to this dua. It's about a continuous effort to embody the Prophet's ﷺ way, so make it a habit.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention to improve your character according to the Sunnah. Raise your hands as you would for other supplications. Reflect on each part: asking Allah for guidance to the best manners, acknowledging that only He can grant it, and seeking His protection from bad character, recognizing that He alone can shield you from it.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's help to attain good character is crucial, as it's not something we can achieve solely through our own efforts. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent to perfect good manners, making his character the ultimate example for us. This dua directly asks the Creator to bestow upon us the qualities that the Prophet ﷺ embodied, ensuring our character aligns with divine approval. It's a direct plea for the most comprehensive form of guidance in our interactions and inner disposition. The Prophet ﷺ himself said: 'The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3559).
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaaq, 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 manners, for no one can guide to the best of them except You. And divert me from bad manners, for no one can divert me from bad manners except You).