اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي، وَاذْكُرْ بِهِدَايَتِكَ سَدادَ الرَّأْيِ، وَأَعِذْنِي مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي
O Allah, guide me and set me on the right path, and by Your guidance, make my opinions sound, and protect me from the evil of my own self.
Allahumma ihdini wa saddidni, wadhkur bi hidayatika sadad ar-ra'yi, wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua for seeking Allah's help in navigating life's challenges. It's particularly relevant when you feel overwhelmed by desires, social pressures, or opportunities that pull you away from your religious commitments. Recite it during times of reflection, before making important decisions, or whenever you feel a pull towards something that might displease Allah.
How to Read
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), is a profound request for divine assistance. Raise your hands, face the Qiblah if possible, and recite it with sincerity and a heartfelt understanding of its meaning. Focus on each word and the immense need for Allah's guidance and protection to steer you away from harmful inclinations and towards what is pleasing to Him. It's best recited after any obligatory prayer or during the quiet hours of the night.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the essence of seeking the best for oneself in both worldly and eternal affairs. By asking for guidance ('ihdini'), we seek Allah's direction to the straight path. 'Saddidni' (set me on the right path) is a request for correctness and straightness in our actions and beliefs. The phrase 'wadhkur bi hidayatika sadad ar-ra'yi' is a beautiful request that Allah's guidance should lead us to sound judgment and correct opinions, preventing us from making misguided choices. Finally, 'wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi' is a critical plea for protection from our own inner desires, weaknesses, and inclinations that can lead us astray. Resisting worldly temptations is fundamentally about mastering one's own soul, and this dua directly addresses that need.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ali that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to him: 'Say: O Allah, guide me and set me on the right path, and by Your guidance, make my opinions sound, and protect me from the evil of my own self.' (Sahih Muslim 2725)