اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ مُبَارَكًا عَلَيْهِ وَاجْعَلْهُ هَادِيًا مَهْدِيًّا
O Allah, make him blessed, and make him a guide who is guided.
Allahumma-j'alhu mubarak an 'alayhi, waj'alhu hadi-yan mahdi-yyan
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recommended to be recited by the parents or guardians upon the birth of a child. It can also be made anytime during the child's upbringing to seek Allah's guidance for their character and faith. It's particularly poignant to recite it during the 'Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn) or when making supplication for the child's future.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and heartfelt supplication. It is best to recite it after any obligatory prayer or during times when dua is readily accepted, such as the last third of the night or between the Adhan and Iqamah. Gently blowing on the child after reciting can also be a way to imbue the words with your hope and prayer. Raising hands in supplication is also a recommended etiquette.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah to bestow blessings upon the child and, crucially, to make them a source of guidance for others while being guided themselves. It encapsulates the highest hopes parents have for their children: not just personal success, but a life of purpose, righteousness, and positive influence in accordance with Allah's will. Seeking such a character for our children is a profound act of worship and a reflection of our desire for them to be among the best of creation.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Musa that he said: 'I had a son, and I took him to the Prophet (ﷺ). He said: 'O Abu Musa, you have given him a good name and protected his rights.' He said: 'He is Abu Musa's son, so he called him Ibrahim and rubbed his head and supplicated for him, saying: 'Allahumma-j'alhu mubarak an 'alayhi, waj'alhu hadi-yan mahdi-yyan' (O Allah, make him blessed, and make him a guide who is guided).' Another version adds: 'He was blessed, and he had many children, and among his children was one who had many children.'