اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي سَدَدًا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالسَّدَادَ
O Allah! Guide me to the right course, O Allah! I ask You for guidance and rectitude.
Allahumma ihdini sadadan, Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda was-sadada
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite at any time, but especially after obligatory prayers. It’s perfect for moments when you feel overwhelmed or unsure of the best course of action, asking Allah to align your path with His deen. You can also make it a habit to recite it first thing in the morning to set your intention for the day.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, raising your hands as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us for supplication. Understand that 'sadad' means hitting the target, aiming straight, and being firm. You are asking Allah to make you firm and upright in your adherence to His commands and the example of His Messenger ﷺ.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for 'al-Huda' (guidance) and 'as-Sadad' (rectitude, being straight, firm, hitting the mark). Living by the Quran and Sunnah is the ultimate form of guidance and rectitude. By asking for this, you are essentially asking to be shown the straight path and to be enabled to walk on it consistently, avoiding deviation. This encompasses all aspects of life – belief, worship, character, and dealings with others.
Source & Authentication
Al-Tufayl bin 'Amr ad-Dawsi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! Convey to me something that may benefit me." He said: "O Tufayl, it may be that Satan has deceived you. You have seen my prayer and my companions' prayer and my halting. So go back to your people and warn them, and teach them the Book of Allah and teach them prayer and send (by way of tribute) one of your men, and your Lord is Great, and your House is Great." So I went back to my people and I taught them the Book of Allah and I taught them prayer and I taught them charity and their religion. Then I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! I have taught them the Book of Allah, and I have taught them prayer and charity and their religion. So convey to me something that may benefit me." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "O Allah! Give him guidance, and make him straight." (Allahumma ihdini sadadan). Al-Tufayl said: "O Messenger of Allah, teach me something that I may invoke Allah with it." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Say: O Allah! I ask You for guidance and rectitude." (Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda was-sadada). Al-Tufayl said: "O Allah! I ask You for guidance and rectitude, and I seek refuge in You from evil command."