اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنَا لِأَحْسَنِ الأَخْلاقِ لا يَهْدِي لأَحْسَنِهَا إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، وَاصْرِفْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَهَا لا يَصْرِفُ عَنَّا سَيِّئَهَا إِلاَّ أَنْتَ.
O Allah, guide us to the best of character, for none can guide to the best of it except You. And turn us away from evil character, for none can turn away from evil of it except You.
Allahumma ihdina li-ahsani al-akhlaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wa-srif 'anna sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anna sayyi'aha illa anta.
When to Read
Recite this dua whenever facing a situation that requires a morally sound decision, especially when the path forward is unclear or when discussions within the community become complex. It's particularly relevant during times of societal shifts or when encountering new ethical challenges that require deep consideration and a firm grounding in Islamic principles. Make it a part of your daily supplications, asking Allah to imbue the entire Ummah with the wisdom to discern right from wrong.
How to Read
Raise your hands in supplication, facing the Qiblah if possible, with sincerity and heartfelt conviction. Begin by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Recite the dua with focus, understanding its meaning, and implore Allah with humility, believing in His ability to guide the Ummah. Repeat it throughout the day, especially during the times when duas are most likely to be answered, such as the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companions, is a direct plea for divine assistance in developing and maintaining excellent character. By asking Allah to guide us to the best of manners, we acknowledge that true ethical uprightness stems from Him. It helps purify our intentions and actions, ensuring that our decisions align with Islamic teachings. For the Ummah, it serves as a collective aspiration to uphold the highest moral standards, fostering unity and mutual respect in navigating life's intricate challenges.
Source & Authentication
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I did not find in the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) any trait of character save that it was the most excellent of all. One day, a man called him and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I say unto you as Aishah said to you.' The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, I am a human being. I get angry just as human beings get angry. So, if I have cursed anyone or reviled anyone or flogged anyone, make it a source of purification and a means of nearness to You on the Day of Resurrection.' And Allah the Exalted and Majestic, had given him authority over the servants (of His), so he did not take vengeance upon any of them. And it is related on the authority of Abu Bakr: Aishah said: The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, You have made my character excellent, so make my actions excellent.' And it is related on the authority of Yahya b. Yahya: He (the Prophet) said: 'O Allah, guide me to the best of deeds and the best of character, and guard me against evil deeds and evil character. O Allah, make me content with what Thou hast provided me, and bless me in it, and restore to me every excellence in it.' And it is related on the authority of Yunus: 'O Allah, guide us to the best of character, and turn us away from evil character.' This is the wording of Muslim. It is related on the authority of Abu Kuraib: 'O Allah, make my character excellent, and forgive my sins. O Allah, guide me to the best of character, for none guides to the best of it but Thou, and guard me against evil character, for none guards against evil of it but Thou.'