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 bad character, for none can turn away from bad character except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani al-akhlaaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrif 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta.
When to Read
This dua is powerful to recite when you notice signs of pride or arrogance in yourself or your spouse. It's especially relevant within the context of marriage, where ego can sometimes create distance. Make it a regular part of your supplications, particularly after your obligatory prayers, or during times when you are seeking Allah's guidance for your relationship.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart, directing your plea to Allah alone. Visualize the positive changes you wish to see in your spouse's character and in your own. You can say it individually or, if appropriate and your spouse is receptive, you can even make du'a together for mutual betterment.
Virtues & Benefits
Pride (kibr) is a disease of the heart that Allah detests. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that 'No one who has the weight of a mustard seed of pride in his heart will enter Paradise.' (Sahih Muslim 91). This dua directly addresses the root of the issue by asking Allah, the All-Mighty and All-Wise, to bestow the best of character and remove the worst. By asking Allah to guide you and your spouse towards good manners and away from arrogance, you are seeking a fundamental transformation that strengthens the marital bond and pleases your Creator.
Source & Authentication
The wording in Sahih Muslim 771 is: 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: Allahumma ahdini li-ahsani al-akhlaaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrif 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta. ('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 bad character, for none can turn away from bad character except You.')