What dua can I make for my parents?
Yes, the Quran itself gives you a beautiful one: "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." You can also ask Allah to forgive them, guide them, heal them and reward them, in any language and in your own words. Praying for your parents is one of the best gifts you can give them, whether they are Muslim or not, alive or not.
The duas from the Quran
Two short duas are worth memorizing first:
- Rabbir-hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira: "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small" (Quran 17:24). Allah teaches it right after commanding kindness to parents.
- Rabbana-ghfir li wa li-walidayya wa lil-mu'minina yawma yaqumul-hisab: "Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established" (Quran 14:41). This was the dua of Prophet Ibrahim.
Many people say them in sujood, after each prayer or before sleeping. If the Arabic feels hard, say the meaning in English until it sticks.
Your own words count too
You don't need a fixed formula. Talk to Allah about your parents the way you would talk about someone you love:
- "O Allah, give my mom good health and ease her pain."
- "O Allah, open my dad's heart to the truth and guide him."
- "O Allah, make me a better son (or daughter) to them."
- "O Allah, fix what is broken between us."
If your parents are not Muslim
Most converts have non-Muslim parents, and this is often the dua that matters most to them. While your parents are alive, you can pray for their guidance, health, happiness and safety. Abu Hurairah's mother was not Muslim and had said hurtful things, yet the Prophet ﷺ prayed, "O Allah, set the mother of Abu Huraira on the right path," and she later accepted Islam (Sahih Muslim 2491). After a non-Muslim parent dies, the rules on asking forgiveness are different. See Can I pray for my non-Muslim mother after she dies? and Can I make dua for my non-Muslim family?
After they pass away
For Muslim parents, your dua keeps reaching them. The Prophet ﷺ said that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three, including "a pious child, who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim 1631). He also said a man will be raised in rank in Paradise and told it came "From your son's praying for forgiveness for you" (Sunan Ibn Majah 3660).
- Start with Quran 17:24 and 14:41.
- Your own words, in any language, are fine.
- Pray for non-Muslim parents' guidance and wellbeing.
- Your dua benefits Muslim parents even after death.
People also ask
Can I make dua during sujood?
Yes, sujood is when you're closest to Allah. Say the basic dhikr, then add your own dua. Schools differ on duas in obligatory prayers.
Read the full answer →What should I say when I'm angry as a Muslim?
Yes, say "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim." The Prophet taught it for anger. Then sit down, stay quiet and step away.
Read the full answer →What dua can I say when I feel anxious?
Yes, say "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan" and other sunnah duas, plus practical steps and help if it's serious.
Read the full answer →What do I say when I hear bad news as a Muslim?
Yes, say "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" and ask Allah to reward you and replace your loss with better. Crying is allowed.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when getting dressed?
Yes, there is one: for new clothes the Prophet thanked Allah and asked for the garment's good. Plus an everyday dua and starting with the right.
Read the full answer →