اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَ الِدَيَّ وَارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
O Allah, forgive me and my parents, and have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was young.
Allahummaghfir li wa li walidayya, warhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira.
When to Read
This is a foundational dua that can and should be made regularly for your parents, especially after obligatory prayers. It's particularly poignant when reflecting on their sacrifices and the immense trust Allah has placed in them as guardians and providers.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and heartfelt remembrance of your parents' efforts. Picture their love and care, and let that fuel your supplication. Raising your hands is recommended during supplication, though not strictly required for this specific dua. Focus on the meaning and the deep gratitude it expresses.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly fulfills a command implied in the Quran (Al-Isra 17:23-24), which enjoins kindness and supplication for parents. By asking for Allah's forgiveness and mercy for them, you are actively honoring them and seeking continued blessings for their souls. It acknowledges their role in raising you, a significant trust (amanah) from Allah, and your responsibility to care for them, both in life and after death. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that the best of deeds is praying for one's parents, as their rights over us continue even after they have passed away.
Source & Authentication
The hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud states: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for him.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5170). While this specific wording isn't in the hadith, the general principle of a righteous child praying for parents is well-established. A more direct source for this specific wording is often found in other collections and scholarly compilations, reflecting the general supplication taught for parents.