Dua for parents
Four Quran and Sunnah supplications you can say for your parents, whether they are with you or have passed away.
The four duas, in order of daily importance
رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Rabbi rhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira
My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small.
Source: Surah al-Isra 17:24. The Quranic dua Allah taught us for parents.
When: After every prescribed prayer, and whenever your parents come to mind.
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ
Rabbi ighfir li wa liwalidayya wa lil mu'minina yawma yaqumul hisab
My Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day the reckoning is established.
Source: Surah Ibrahim 14:41. The dua of Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
When: Especially strong for parents who have passed away, and for grandparents.
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ
Rabbi ighfir li wa liwalidayya
My Lord, forgive me and my parents.
Source: Surah Nuh 71:28. A short version you can say many times a day.
When: Repeat throughout the day. Add on your tasbih counter as a daily wird.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ
Allahumma ighfir lahu wa rhamhu wa `afihi wa`fu `anhu
O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, give him well-being, and pardon him.
Source: Sahih Muslim 963. Prophetic dua for a deceased Muslim.
When: For a deceased father use `lahu`, for a deceased mother use `laha`.
Why these duas matter
Parents are the single largest sadaqah jariyah most Muslims will ever have. Every time you say Rabbi ighfir li wa liwalidayya, mercy is being requested for two people who, if they raised you at all, poured years of unrepayable effort into you. The Quran ties parental honour directly to the worship of Allah in Surah al-Isra 17:23. That is not accidental.
A child who prays for their parents is a rare and valuable thing. Be that.
For deceased parents
Their record of deeds is closed, but three doors remain open (Sahih Muslim 1631): ongoing charity they set in motion, knowledge they left behind, and a righteous child who prays for them. Every dua you say is that third door being opened, right now, on their behalf.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make dua for non-Muslim parents?
You can make dua for their guidance and their worldly well-being. Requesting forgiveness of their unbelief is not permitted (Surah al-Tawbah 9:113). Requesting Allah's guidance and mercy in this life is.
What if I don't know Arabic?
Learn the short Quranic form Rabbi ighfir li wa liwalidayya (five words). Say the meaning in your own language as much as you like. The Arabic form of the Quranic dua carries the specific reward of that dua.
Do I have to say them out loud?
No. Silent dhikr and dua are fully valid. See our short answer on silent dhikr for the Quranic basis.
When is dua for parents most accepted?
The last third of the night, between the adhan and iqamah, in sujood, and immediately after each of the five prescribed prayers.
Related
Prefer the counter? Open Sibha and add these duas to your daily wird.
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