اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنَا لِأَحْسَنِ الْأَخْلَاقِ لَا يَهْدِي لِأَحْسَنِهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَهَا لَا يَصْرِفُ عَنَّا سَيِّئَهَا إِلَّا أَنْتَ
O Allah, guide us to the best of character, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn us away from evil character, for none can turn away from it except You.
Allahumma ihdina li-ahsanil-akhlaqi la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wansrif 'anna sayyi'aha la yasrifu 'anna sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
This is a general supplication that can be made anytime, especially when thinking about your parents' well-being. You can make it regularly after your obligatory prayers, or even during the times when duas are more likely to be answered, like the last third of the night or between the adhan and iqamah. It's a beautiful way to actively pray for their spiritual state and character.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, directing your plea to Allah alone. Visualize your parents embodying the best of manners and humility as you make the supplication. It's important to remember that humility is a state of the heart, so praying for this internal quality is profoundly beneficial. Repeating it consistently shows your enduring concern for them.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking the best character for your parents is a way of fulfilling the command to be good to them. Humility, or 'tawadu'', is a highly praised trait in Islam. It means recognizing Allah's greatness and one's own dependence on Him, which guards against arrogance and pride. A humble person is more receptive to guidance and more likely to be grateful. This dua asks Allah not only to instill good character but also to protect them from bad character, a comprehensive request for their spiritual and social well-being. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to ask Allah for the best of everything, and character is indeed among the most precious gifts.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'O Allah, guide us to the best of character, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn us away from evil character, for none can turn away from it except You.'