رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.
Rabbi awzi'ni an ashkura ni'matakallati an'amta 'alayya wa 'ala walidayya wa an a'mala salihan tardahu wa aslih li fi dhurriyyati inni tubtu ilayka wa inni minal-muslimin
When to Read
There's a beautiful moment captured in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Ahqaf, that speaks to the journey of human life, particularly as we mature into parenthood and grandparenthood. Allah describes an individual reaching the age of forty, a significant milestone often marked by deeper reflection on one's blessings, one's parents' sacrifices, and the future of one's offspring. This dua is presented as the prayer of such an individual, making its essence timeless and incredibly relevant for elderly parents and grandparents who carry deep love and concern for their children and grandchildren's spiritual well-being. You can recite this dua regularly, in your daily prayers, during times of sujood (prostration), or whenever you find your heart yearning for your family's guidance and Allah's mercy upon them.
How to Read
When you make this dua, approach Allah with humility and sincerity, knowing that He is the Most Merciful, the Hearer of all prayers. It's not just about reciting words; it's about connecting with the profound meaning. Reflect on the immense blessings Allah has given you, the sacrifices of your parents, and your earnest desire for your children and grandchildren to walk the path of righteousness and be forgiven for their shortcomings. Raising your hands in dua, if it feels right, can enhance your connection, but the most important aspect is the state of your heart and your conviction that Allah will respond.
Virtues & Benefits
The sincere dua of a parent for their child is one of the most powerful prayers there is. This specific Quranic dua, taught within the context of a person's life journey of gratitude and repentance, carries immense benefits when recited with genuine faith. Firstly, you are directly asking Allah for the **righteousness** of your offspring, which inherently includes seeking their protection from sin, their guidance away from misguidance, and their forgiveness for any shortcomings. You are asking Allah to purify them, guide them, and keep them steadfast on His path. This dua also strengthens your own connection with Allah by acknowledging His favors upon you and your parents and affirming your repentance. Furthermore, by striving to raise righteous children and making sincere dua for them, you are investing in a continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah) that can benefit you even after you have passed away, as the Prophet ﷺ reminded us.