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 character, for none can guide to the best of it except You, and turn me away from evil character, for none can turn away from evil of it except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani-l-akhlaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa ant, wa-srif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa ant
When to Read
This is a powerful dua to recite frequently throughout your Hajj and Umrah journey. Make it a habit during the times you're waiting for your transport, walking between the Masa'a, or even during the Tawaf. The intensity of the pilgrimage, with its crowds and potential for stress, makes it the perfect time to actively seek Allah’s help in maintaining excellent manners.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely with full conviction that Allah is the only one who can grant you good character. Raise your hands in supplication as you normally would for other duas. Focus on the meaning behind the words, internalizing the request for divine assistance in refining your disposition during this blessed journey.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this comprehensive dua to seek Allah’s guidance for the most noble character. During Hajj and Umrah, we are surrounded by Muslims from all walks of life, experiencing a range of emotions. This dua helps us navigate these interactions with patience, kindness, and humility, reflecting the true spirit of Islam and the Sunnah. It ensures that our outward actions and inward disposition are pleasing to Allah, enhancing the spiritual benefit of our pilgrimage. Striving for good character is a continuous act of worship, and seeking it during such a significant spiritual endeavor magnifies its importance.
Source & Authentication
‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: > اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلْتُ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ أَعْمَلْ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفَجْأَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الثَّبَاتَ فِي الْأَمْرِ، وَالْعَزِيمَةَ عَلَى الرُّشْدِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ شُكْرَ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَحُسْنَ عِبَادَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قَلْبًا سَلِيمًا، وَلِسَانًا صَادِقًا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ كُلِّ خَيْرٍ أُوتِيتُهُ، وَشَرِّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى، وَالتُّقَى، وَالْعَفَافَ، وَالْغِنَى، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَعْلَمُ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا سَأَلَكَ بِهِ عَبْدُكَ وَنَبِيُّكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا اسْتَعَاذَ بِهِ عَبْدُكَ وَنَبِيُّكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ كُلَّ قَضَاءٍ قَضَيْتَهُ لِي خَيْرًا. In another narration: ‘A’ishah reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘O Allah, the Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion.’ So I said: ‘O Allah’s Messenger, we believe in you and in what you have brought, and are we not fearing for our hearts?’ He said: ‘Yes, the hearts are between two fingers of the Compassionate Ones, and He turns them over.’ This particular dua, 'Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani-l-akhlaq...', is found in other narrations and is specifically focused on character. The context of seeking the best of character is paramount in Hajj and Umrah where one's patience and manners are tested.