Parents hold a very high status in Islam. Throughout the Qur’an, Allah commands us to honour and serve our parents and to show kindness and patience towards them:

“Your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say no word that shows impatience with them, and do not be harsh with them, but speak to them respectfully.” [Qur’an 17:23]

This key teaching is one that the Prophet also emphasised throughout his life and something which he ordered the companions to abide by:

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The pleasure of the Lord is in the pleasure of the parents, and the displeasure of the Lord is in the displeasure of the parents.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1899]

Ka’b ibn Malik reported: The Prophetﷺ said was asked: “Which of the people is best?” The Prophet said, “A believer in service of two noble parents.” [al-Mu’jam al-Kabir 160]

One of the best ways to serve our parents is through making dua for them, even if they are no longer with us, as this will continue to benefit them:

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” [Sahih Muslim]

So here is a list of supplications that you can make for your parents.

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1. Dua for your parent’s forgiveness

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Rabbana-ghfirlī wa liwālidayya wa lilmu’minīna yauma yaqūmul-hisāb

“Our Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day when the judgment will come to pass.” [Qur’an 14:41]

2. Dua for mercy for your parents

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Rabbi irhamhuma kama rabbayanee sagheera

“My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.” [Qur’an 17:24]

3. Dua for forgiveness for your parents and the ummah

رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَٰتِ

Rabbana-ghfirlī wa liwālidayya wa liman dakhola baytī mu’minan wa-lilmu’minīna wal-mu’mināt

“My Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and whoever enters my house in faith, and all believing men and women.” [Qur’an 71:28]

4. Dua for showing gratitude to Allah for you and your parents

رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ

Rabbi awzi’nī an asykura ni’matikal-latī an’amta ‘alayya wa ‘ala wālidayya wa an a’mala salihan tardhāhu wa adkhilnī birahmatika fī ‘ibādikas-soliheen

“My Lord, inspire me to (always) be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; admit me by Your grace into the ranks of Your righteous servants.” [Qur’an 27:19]