اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَاجْعَلْنِي هَادِيًا مَهْدِيًّا
O Allah, guide me and grant me guidance, and make me one who guides and is guided.
Allahumma ihdini wa-hdini waj'alni hadiyan mahdiyyan
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly fitting to recite during the month of Ramadan, especially during the pre-dawn meal (Suhur) or when breaking your fast. The act of fasting itself is a discipline that can open our hearts and minds to spiritual reflection. Asking Allah for guidance during this time leverages the spiritual energy of the month, seeking His light to illuminate our path, both in understanding our faith and in living according to His commands.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a hopeful heart. Raise your hands as you would for other duas, especially during the blessed times like Suhur or when breaking your fast. Focus on the meaning of the words: asking Allah not only for personal guidance but also to become a source of guidance for others. Visualize yourself embodying the qualities of the rightly guided, a reflection of Allah's light in the world.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking guidance (hidayah) is one of the most profound requests a believer can make. This dua encapsulates that desire, asking Allah to grant it directly and to empower us to be guides for others. When we are guided, our actions, intentions, and understanding are aligned with what pleases Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua, indicating its immense importance. By striving to be 'guided and guiding', we fulfill a significant aspect of our purpose as Muslims, embodying the role of a beacon of faith and good character.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Prophet (ﷺ) supplicated: 'O Allah, I ask You for guidance, righteousness, chastity, and self-sufficiency.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 382). Another related narration mentions: 'Allahumma ihdini wa-hdini waj'alni hadiyan mahdiyyan' (O Allah, guide me and grant me guidance, and make me one who guides and is guided). This latter phrasing emphasizes the dual aspect of receiving guidance and becoming a conduit for it.