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 be recited at any time, but it's especially poignant to remember our parents with this supplication when they enter their old age. We can make it a part of our daily prayers (salah) after the tasleem, or recite it during the night, or after any obligatory or voluntary prayer. It's a continuous act of kindness and remembrance for them.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Imagine your parents, their sacrifices, and their current needs for peace and well-being. Focus on the meaning of the words, asking Allah for forgiveness for yourself and mercy for them, acknowledging their efforts in raising you. It's best recited after prayers, or as a dedicated supplication at any convenient time.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility towards our parents. By asking for Allah's forgiveness for ourselves and His mercy upon them, we are fulfilling a significant part of our obligation as children. The Quran emphasizes kindness to parents (e.g., Al-Isra 17:23-24), and this dua is a direct expression of that command. It ensures our parents are remembered in a way that seeks divine blessing and ease for them, particularly in their later years when they may need more support and comfort.
Source & Authentication
The hadith includes the phrase: 'When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: a continuous charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for them.' (Sahih Muslim 1631). The aforementioned dua is a prime example of a righteous child praying for their parents, which falls under the category of ongoing good deeds for both the child and the parents.