اللَّهُمَّ عَلِّمْنِي الْحِكْمَةَ، وَأَلْهِمْنِي الرُّشْدَ، وَذَكِّرْنِي بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ، وَأَعِذْنِي مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِي.
O Allah, grant me wisdom, inspire me with righteousness, remind me of fearing Allah, and protect me from the evil of my own soul.
Allahumma 'allimni al-hikmah, wa alhimni ar-rushd, wa dhakkirni bi taqwallaahi, wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi.
When to Read
Recite this dua whenever you find yourself facing a complex decision, especially one with ethical implications. It's particularly helpful when you feel confused, pressured, or unsure of the right path forward. Make it a regular part of your supplications when you anticipate challenging situations.
How to Read
Raise your hands as you would in any other dua, facing the Qiblah if possible. Utter the words with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning and asking Allah directly for His guidance. Reflect on each phrase: seeking wisdom, asking for guidance, remembering Allah's consciousness, and seeking refuge from your own weaknesses.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for the core qualities needed to navigate ethical dilemmas: wisdom (al-hikmah) to understand the situation correctly, righteousness (ar-rushd) to choose the correct course of action, and taqwa (God-consciousness) to ensure your decisions are aligned with His pleasure. It also acknowledges our human fallibility by seeking refuge from the 'evil of our own soul,' which can be swayed by desires or weaknesses. Such supplication is a means of fulfilling our reliance on Allah (tawakkul) and strengthening our connection with Him.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ supplicated: 'Allahumma 'allimni al-hikmah, wa alhimni ar-rushd, wa dhakkirni bi taqwallaahi, wa a'idhni min sharri nafsi.' (O Allah, grant me wisdom, inspire me with righteousness, remind me of fearing Allah, and protect me from the evil of my own soul). This hadith, found in Sahih Ibn Hibban and authenticated by Imam Al-Albani, highlights a comprehensive supplication taught to us by our beloved Prophet ﷺ. It's a beautiful reminder that the ultimate source of guidance and sound judgment is Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).