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, for none can guide to the best of them except You, and turn me away from bad manners, for none can turn away bad manners from me except You.
Allahumma ihdini li-ahsanil akhlaq, la yahdi li-ahsaniha illa anta, wasrif 'anni sayyi'aha, la yasrifu 'anni sayyi'aha illa anta
When to Read
This beautiful dua is perfect for reciting at any time, especially when you are consciously seeking to improve your character and outward presentation. You can make it part of your daily supplications after any prayer, or whenever you feel a need to strengthen your resolve in maintaining modesty in your speech, actions, and dress. It's particularly poignant when preparing to go out, or when reflecting on how you present yourself to the world and to your Creator.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, understanding its profound request. Raise your hands in supplication as you would for other duas. Imagine Allah (SWT) hearing your plea and granting you the strength to embody the best of characters, which includes modesty and appropriate covering. Believe that Allah (SWT) is the only one who can truly guide you to these noble traits.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah (SWT) for guidance to the best of manners, which encompasses the concept of modesty and proper covering of the 'awrah'. By seeking this guidance from the Source of all good, we are aligning our intentions with divine will. Good manners, including modesty, are a sign of faith and a reflection of a Muslim's character, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, 'The believers most perfect in faith are those best in character.' (Sahih At-Tirmidhi 1162). Modesty in dress is a manifestation of this inner faith, protecting us and fostering a respectful society.
Source & Authentication
Yahya related to me from Malik, from Ibn Shihab, from Sa'id al-Maqburi from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "O Allah, guide me to the best of manners. No one guides to the best of them except You. And turn me away from bad manners. No one turns away from bad manners except You."