اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنَا لِأَحْسَنِ الْأَخْلَاقِ لَا يَهْدِي لِأَحْسَنِهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَهَا لَا يَصْرِفُ عَنْ سَيِّئِهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ
O Allah, guide us to the best of characters, for none can guide to the best of them except You. And turn us away from bad characters, for none can turn away from bad ones except You.
Allahumma ihdina li-ahsanil-akhlaqi, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anna sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'an sayyi'iha illa anta.
When to Read
This dua is a profound supplication for aligning our character and actions with the teachings of the Quran. We can recite it at any time, but it's especially potent after prayers (Fard or Sunnah) when our hearts are receptive, or during the blessed times of the night and day when supplications are readily answered. Making it a consistent part of your morning or evening routine can foster a deep connection to seeking Allah's help in embodying Quranic principles.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, fully understanding its meaning. Imagine yourself asking the One who created you and knows what's best for you to shape your character according to the Quran. Raise your hands as you normally would for du'a. Reflect on how the Quran guides our etiquette, our interactions, and our inner self, and ask Allah to make you a living embodiment of its teachings. Consistency is key – strive to make this a habit.
Virtues & Benefits
The ultimate benefit is achieving a character that pleases Allah and reflects the beauty of the Quran. By asking Allah to guide us to the best of manners, we are seeking His help to adopt the noble qualities taught in the Quran – kindness, patience, honesty, humility, justice, and mercy. Turning away from bad character means protection from arrogance, jealousy, backbiting, and other negative traits that distance us from Allah and His book. This dua is a direct plea for inner transformation, enabling us to truly 'live by the Quran' daily.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "O Allah, guide me to the best of characters, for none can guide to the best of them except You, and turn me away from bad characters, for none can turn away from bad ones except You." (Sahih Muslim 771)