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 characters, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn me away from bad characters, for none can turn away from bad them except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani al-akhlaqi la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
This dua is excellent to recite daily, especially in the morning and evening, asking Allah for guidance towards good character. You can also make a specific supplication for your spouse after reciting this, asking Allah to remove the inclination towards gossip and backbiting from their heart and tongue.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning. Raise your hands in supplication if possible, and direct your plea to Allah alone. Make it a regular habit to ask Allah to purify your spouse's character.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking Allah's help is the most effective way to change any negative habit. Gossip (gheebah) and backbiting are grave sins in Islam, harming relationships and earning severe punishment. This dua seeks to reform character at its root, making it a powerful tool for personal and marital spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that the best of characters is beloved to Allah, and striving for it is a sign of strong faith.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: 'Allahumma ihdini li-ahsani al-akhlaqi la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta.' (O Allah, guide me to the best of characters, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn me away from bad characters, for none can turn away from bad them except You.)