وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.
Wa qul rabbi irhamhuma kama rabbayanee sagheera
When to Read
This beautiful Quranic supplication is to seek Allah's profound mercy for both parents. When focusing specifically on your father, recite this dua reflecting on his unique contributions: his protection, his provision, the strength he provided, and the wisdom he shared. It’s a powerful dua to make for him when he is alive, asking Allah to ease his burdens and forgive his shortcomings, and equally vital when he has passed away, supplicating for his forgiveness and the highest ranks in Jannah. Make this dua during your daily prayers, particularly in sujood, or during any moment you feel a deep sense of gratitude and love for your father.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and humility, pondering the immense efforts your father exerted in raising you. Recall specific instances of his love, protection, and provision, allowing these memories to deepen your earnestness in seeking Allah's mercy for him. Understand the meaning deeply as you recite, letting the words resonate with your heart and intentions.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a direct fulfillment of Allah's command in the Quran (Al-Isra 17:24), emphasizing the immense importance of honoring parents. For your father, specifically, making this dua is an act of **birr al-walidain** (dutifulness to parents), which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized as being among the greatest deeds (Sahih Bukhari 7534). It serves as a continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah) for him if he has passed, and a source of blessings and barakah in your own life. It fosters a deeper spiritual connection, brings peace to your heart, and, by Allah's grace, can open doors to His forgiveness and mercy for your father and for yourself.