اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْنِي الهُدَى، وَذَكِّرْنِي بِتَقْوَاكَ، وَأَلْهِمْنِي رُشْدِي، وَأَعِذْنِي مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي
O Allah, teach me guidance, remind me of Your piety, inspire me with my right course, and protect me from the evil of my soul.
Allahumma 'allimni al-huda, wa dhakkirni bi-taqwaka, wa alhimni rushdi, wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent during Ramadan, especially in the latter half of the night, during suhoor, or whenever you feel a need for clarity and direction. The state of fasting is a time when our supplications are believed to be more readily accepted. You can recite it after your obligatory prayers or at any point during the day when you seek Allah's guidance on a specific matter or for overall direction in your life.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a focused heart. Raise your hands as you do for other supplications, though it's not strictly obligatory for this particular dua. Ensure you pronounce the Arabic words clearly. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase, internalizing the request for Allah's teaching, remembrance of Taqwa (God-consciousness), inspiration of right guidance, and protection from inner evil. Imagine Allah responding to your plea, granting you the clarity and wisdom you seek.
Virtues & Benefits
Fasting purifies the body and the soul, making it a prime state for seeking Allah's help. This dua directly asks for the core elements of a successful life in this world and the hereafter: knowledge of guidance, consistent piety, the ability to make correct decisions (rushd), and protection from our own inclinations towards sin or error. By seeking these, we align our will with Allah's, which is the ultimate source of peace and success. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to seek comprehensive well-being.
Source & Authentication
The hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah (3833) narrates that Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught me a comprehensive set of words to say: 'Allahumma 'allimni al-huda, wa dhakkirni bi-taqwaka, wa alhimni rushdi, wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi.' (O Allah, teach me guidance, remind me of Your piety, inspire me with my right course, and protect me from the evil of my soul). It is graded as Hasan by scholars like Al-Albani.