اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالدَيَّ وَارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
O Allah, forgive me and my parents, and have mercy on them as they cared for me when I was young.
Allahumma-ghfir li wa li-walidayya warhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira
When to Read
This is a fundamental dua for parents that should be recited regularly, especially after prayers (Salah). It's particularly poignant to make this dua for them as they enter old age, a time when they may face increased needs for Allah's mercy and protection against potential regrets concerning their past or their children's conduct.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Visualize your parents and imagine them receiving Allah's mercy and protection. It's best recited with hands raised in supplication, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, though it can be recited at any time and in any manner that one is able to. Being in a state of purity (Wudu) is recommended, but not mandatory for remembrance of Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly fulfills our obligation to our parents, even after their passing. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that when a person dies, their deeds are cut off except for three: an ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for them. (Sahih Muslim 1631). By making this dua, we are acting as that righteous child, seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy for our parents, which in turn brings them benefit in the hereafter and can lead to Allah protecting them from the sting of regret in this life, particularly in their old age.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three things: an ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for them.' (Sunan Abu Dawud 5121, Sahih Muslim 1631). While the specific phrasing in Abu Dawud is for a child to pray for parents, the principle of seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness for them is established.