اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ مُبَارَكًا عَلَيْهِ وَاجْعَلْهُ هَادِيًا مَهْدِيًّا
O Allah, make him blessed, and make him a guide who is guided.
Allahumma-jalhu mubarak'an 'alayhi waj'alhu hadiyan mahdiyyan
When to Read
This dua is traditionally recited when a child is born. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would make this supplication for newborns. It's a beautiful prayer to offer immediately after a child arrives, setting a tone of blessing and seeking divine guidance for their upbringing. You can continue to make similar duas throughout their childhood, asking for Allah's protection and guidance for them.
How to Read
Ideally, the parent or a close, righteous family member should recite this dua. It's best to place your hand on the child's forehead or body while making the supplication. Speaking the words with sincerity, conviction, and a heart full of hope for the child's future is key. It's also a good practice to follow up with the Sunnah of whispering the Adhan and Iqamah in the child's ear.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a profound aspiration for the child: that Allah makes them blessed in their life and actions, and that He guides them to the right path, making them a source of guidance for others. It's a prayer for the child to be not only righteous themselves but also an influence for good in the world. Seeking Allah's blessing and guidance from the very beginning is a powerful way to lay the foundation for a life lived according to Islamic principles.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him): I had a baby boy. I took him to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He named him Ibrahim, gave him a date to chew, and invoked the blessing of Allah for him and said: 'Allahumma-jalhu mubarak'an 'alayhi wa 'ala ummatin min ba'dihi.' 'O Allah, make him blessed, and make him blessed for the Muslims after him.' I also had a baby girl, and he named her Fatimah. He commanded us to name them after the two 'Abdu al-Rahman.