اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي لأَحْسَنِ الأَخْلاَقِ لا يَهْدِي لأَحْسَنِهَا إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا لا يَصْرِفُ عَنِّي سَيِّئَهَا إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, guide me to the best of manners, for none can guide to the best of them except You. And turn away from me the evil of them, for none can turn away the evil of them except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani al-akhlaqi la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly relevant during the quiet hours of the night, especially during Tahajjud. When facing disagreements, seeking clarity in communication, or working towards reconciliation with family, friends, or colleagues, reciting this dua can be a profound way to seek Allah's direct assistance in perfecting one's character and resolving conflicts with wisdom and grace. It's a moment to humbly ask the One who perfects all things to perfect our interactions and grant us the best of conduct.
How to Read
It is best to recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea during the blessed time of Tahajjud, a period when supplications are believed to be readily accepted. Stand or sit in a state of purity, facing the Qiblah if possible, and pour your heart out to Allah. Reflect on the meaning of the words, asking Allah to transform your disposition and grant you the ability to handle disputes with kindness, patience, and understanding. This is not just a recitation; it's a conversation with your Creator, seeking His divine intervention in shaping your character and mending relationships.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's guidance to the best of manners is a direct pathway to a more harmonious life. When we ask Allah to guide us in resolving disputes, we are asking for the wisdom to speak truth with kindness, the patience to listen with empathy, and the foresight to choose words that heal rather than wound. This dua fosters inner peace, strengthens relationships, and earns Allah's pleasure. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself turned to Allah in this manner, recognizing that true moral excellence is a gift from Him. By embodying the best manners, we reflect the beauty of Islam to others and build a more cohesive community.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to remain silent between the Takbir and the recitation of the Qur'an at night. I asked him: 'What do you say when you say Takbir and keep silent?' He said: 'I say: Allahumma waj-hini bayna 'adlika wa bayna khata'ika fa-'allimni ma 'adlika, wa 'allimni ma khata'ika, wa rizqaka. Wa Allahumma ahsan 'aqibata fi amri kullihi wa ajirni min khaziyi d-dunya wa 'adhabi al-akhirati (O Allah, direct me to the good which you have decreed for me, and the guidance which you have decreed for me, and make me of the righteous. And make me contented with what you have given me, and bless it for me, and conceal every defect of mine, and make me secure from what I fear.) And he added: 'I say: Allahumma ihdini li-ahsan al-akhlaqi la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wa asrif 'anni sayyi'aha la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta. (O Allah, guide me to the best of manners, for none can guide to the best of them except You. And turn away from me the evil of them, for none can turn away the evil of them except You.)'