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 manners, for none can guide to the best of them except You, and turn away from me the evil manners, for none can turn away the evil of them except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani-l-akhlaqi, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif anni sayyi'aha la yasrifu anni sayyi'aha illa anta
When to Read
This dua is profoundly relevant for anyone seeking to align their life with the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Recite it after every obligatory prayer, or at any time you feel a need for increased resolve to embody the Sunnah. It's especially beneficial when facing choices where the Sunnah offers a clear path, or when struggling with habits that deviate from it.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and a humble heart, raising your hands as you would during supplication. Visualize the beautiful character and actions of the Prophet ﷺ. Understand that guidance is from Allah alone, and this dua is a direct request to Him for that divine assistance. Make it a consistent part of your daily remembrance.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the very embodiment of the Sunnah, taught us this dua. Seeking guidance to the best of manners encompasses the entirety of the Sunnah, as the Prophet's ﷺ life was a living Quran and a perfect example. By asking Allah to guide us to the 'best of manners' and protect us from 'evil manners,' we are essentially asking for help to follow his path in our character, actions, and intentions. This leads to a more fulfilling life, pleasing to Allah, and fosters strong relationships within the community.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to say: 'Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani-l-akhlaqi, 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 none can guide to the best of them except You, and turn away from me the evil manners, for none can turn away the evil of them except You.)