Dua for Parents: A Beautiful Quranic Prayer for Mercy
Islam places immense importance on honoring and caring for parents. After worshipping Allah, the Quran repeatedly commands kindness toward parents, highlighting their sacrifices, love, and lifelong care.
One of the most touching supplications in the Quran is the dua for parents, taught directly by Allah. It captures gratitude, humility, and remembrance of childhood dependence.
This dua is not only a prayer — it is a lifelong reminder of parental sacrifice and a child’s responsibility.
Arabic:
رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Transliteration:
Rabbirhamhuma kama rabbayani sagheera
Translation:
“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.” (Quran 17:24)
This short but profound dua for parents asks Allah to reward parents with mercy equal to their care and nurturing.
Rabbi (رَبِّ) – My Lord, the One who nurtures and sustains
Irhamhuma (ارْحَمْهُمَا) – Have mercy on both of them
Kama (كَمَا) – Just as / in the same way
Rabbayani (رَبَّيَانِي) – They nurtured, raised, and cared for me
Sagheera (صَغِيرًا) – When I was small, weak, and dependent
The dua connects two mercies:
Parents’ mercy toward the child
Allah’s mercy toward the parents
It reminds believers that parents’ care in childhood can never be fully repaid — only Allah’s mercy can compensate it.
The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated extraordinary respect and love for his mother, even after her death.
On one journey, he visited his mother’s grave and became emotional, showing deep remembrance and affection. This moment reflected that honoring parents continues even after they pass away — through dua, charity, and remembrance.
The Quranic dua for parents reflects this Prophetic attitude: gratitude beyond time.
Teaching this dua to children builds gratitude and emotional awareness early in life.
Ways to teach:
Recite after daily prayers
Explain parents’ sacrifices in simple words
Encourage children to say it before sleep
Practice together as a family dua
Connect it to real acts of kindness
Children who learn this dua develop respect and empathy toward parents naturally.
1. What is the best dua for parents in Islam?
The Quranic dua “Rabbirhamhuma kama rabbayani sagheera” is the most recommended dua for parents.
2. Where is the dua for parents mentioned in the Quran?
It appears in Surah Al-Isra (17:24).
3. Can I read this dua for deceased parents?
Yes, this dua is especially beneficial for deceased parents as it asks Allah to grant them mercy.
4. When should I read the dua for parents?
It can be read after salah, in daily supplications, or whenever remembering parents.
5. Why does the dua mention childhood?
It reminds believers of the time when parents cared selflessly, emphasizing gratitude and humility.
The dua for parents is one of the most heartfelt prayers in Islam. It teaches gratitude, humility, and lifelong remembrance of parental care.
By reciting “Rabbirhamhuma kama rabbayani sagheera,” believers acknowledge that parents’ sacrifices cannot be repaid — only Allah’s mercy can honor them fully.
This Quranic supplication transforms love for parents into worship.
Ramadan is the month of the Quran, and there is no better time to improve your recitation, Tajweed, and understanding of the Quran. If you want your children — or even yourself — to build a strong and correct connection with the Quran this Ramadan, consider joining structured online Quran classes. With qualified teachers, one-to-one sessions, flexible timings, and a supportive Islamic environment, you can make this Ramadan truly transformational for your entire family.