اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تُلْهِمَنِي رُشْدِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي.
O Allah, I ask You to inspire me with guidance and protect me from the evil of my soul.
Allahumma inni as'aluka an tulhimani rushdi, wa a'udhu bika min sharri nafsi.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any point during Hajj or Umrah, especially when you feel a surge of emotion seeing the diverse Ummah united, or when you encounter moments that test your patience and understanding with fellow pilgrims. Recite it in the Masjid al-Haram, on Arafat, or any time you wish to strengthen the bonds of faith between yourself and your brothers and sisters in Islam.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication as you normally would for dua. Begin with the basmalah and praise of Allah, followed by sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Recite this dua with sincerity, focusing on the meaning and asking Allah to grant you the best of characters and to foster a genuine, pure connection with everyone you meet. Conclude with salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ and your own personal supplications.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, while general, directly addresses the core of brotherhood and sisterhood by seeking Allah's guidance (rushdi) and protection from inner negativity (sharri nafsi). True connection with others stems from having a righteous heart and a pure intention, free from arrogance, envy, or ill-will. By asking Allah to guide our souls, we are better equipped to see the good in others, to be patient with their shortcomings, and to extend kindness and compassion, which are the very essence of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 13, Sahih Muslim 45). Seeking Allah's guidance helps us achieve this level of brotherhood.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate with these words: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka hudan wa-t-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.' (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and richness.) And he would supplicate with: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlika' (O Allah, I ask You from Your grace) and he would supplicate with: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an wa rizqan tayyiban wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.' (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.) And he would say: 'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa'u, wa min qalbin la yakhsha'u, wa min nafsin la tashba'u, wa min da'watin la yustajabu laha.' (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that is not beneficial, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is not satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.) And he would say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka al-huda wa-s-sadad.' (O Allah, I ask You for guidance and correctness.) And he would say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka an tulhimani rushdi, wa a'udhu bika min sharri nafsi.' (O Allah, I ask You to inspire me with righteousness, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul.) *Note: The specific phrase used in the entry is the last part of this narration, which is also narrated independently as Hasan.*