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 manners and character, for none can guide to the best of it but You. And turn me away from bad manners and character, for none can turn away from the bad of it but You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa Anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrif 'anni sayyi'aha illa Anta.
When to Read
This is a profound dua that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used to recite regularly. It's especially beneficial to make this during Ramadan, as fasting is a training ground for self-control and improved character. You can make it after every obligatory prayer, or during your personal supplications throughout the day and night, particularly when you feel your temper rising or your patience waning.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Raise your hands as you supplicate, reflecting on your own shortcomings and earnestly seeking Allah's help to improve your character. Remember that the Prophet ﷺ's supplications were always earnest and full of conviction.
Virtues & Benefits
Fasting is meant to purify us, not just from food and drink, but also from negative habits and bad character traits. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever does not give up forged speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, and evil; Allah has no need that he should leave off his food and his drink.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1903). This dua directly asks Allah to grant us the best manners, acknowledging that only He is the true guide. By seeking this, we aim to embody the noble character that Islam encourages, making our fasts more meaningful and our lives more pleasing to Allah.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say: "Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil-akhlaq, 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 manners and character, for none can guide to the best of it but You. And turn me away from bad manners and character, for none can turn away from the bad of it but You.)