What dua can I make for my children?
You can make any good dua for your children, in any language. The Quran also gives parents beautiful ready-made duas, like asking Allah to make your family "comfort to our eyes" (Quran 25:74). A parent's dua for their child is one of the duas the Prophet ﷺ said is answered, so it's worth making it a daily habit.
Duas for children from the Quran
The best-known parent's dua comes from the description of the righteous servants of the Most Merciful:
Two more you can learn:
- Prophet Ibrahim's dua: "My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication." (Quran 14:40)
- The dua of a grateful believer: "...and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims." (Quran 46:15)
It's a lovely match with the duas you make for your own parents, so the chain of mercy runs both ways. See What dua can I make for my parents?
Your own words count too
You don't have to know Arabic. Ask Allah for what your child actually needs: health, good friends, love of prayer, success in exams, protection online, a kind spouse one day. If your kids aren't Muslim, or your co-parent isn't, you can still pray for their guidance and wellbeing. See Can I make dua in English?
Many parents also say a quiet dua when they hug their children goodnight or drop them off at school. Small, regular duas add up.
A parent's dua is answered
The Prophet ﷺ said there are three supplications that will undoubtedly be answered, including "the supplication of a father for his child" (Sunan Ibn Majah 3862, graded hasan). Scholars understand this to include mothers, whose love is just as strong. Choose good moments for it too, like the last third of the night or between the adhan and iqamah. See What are the best times to make dua?
Never curse your kids, even when angry
The flip side of a powerful dua is a careless one. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not invoke curse on yourselves, and do not invoke curse on your children... lest you happen to do it at a time when Allah is asked for something and grants your request" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1532). On a hard day, swap "I wish you'd never..." for "May Allah guide you and make this easy." It calms you down as well.
- Quran 25:74, 14:40 and 46:15 are classic duas for children.
- Personal duas in any language are fully valid.
- A parent's dua for their child is answered, so make it often.
- Avoid cursing or wishing harm on your children, even in frustration.
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