Dua for Parents

For deceased parents

Ongoing charity, du‘a and knowledge benefit them after death (Sahih Muslim 1631). Ramadan is a natural time to give sadaqah on their behalf.

Transliteration is a guide only; recite from the Arabic where you can. References are given so you can verify each wording.

Living and deceased parents

For living parents, dua can be paired with practical kindness and care. For deceased parents, supplication and permissible charity on their behalf are commonly emphasised. Avoid inventing guarantees about a specific number of recitations.

Qur’anic context

The wording comes from Qur’an 17:24 in a passage commanding humility and kindness toward parents. Reciting the dua is therefore strongest when paired with practical conduct: speaking respectfully, helping with needs and maintaining ties.

When relationships are difficult

A general page should not tell someone to ignore abuse or unsafe circumstances. The command to behave well does not require remaining in danger; difficult family situations may need qualified religious and professional guidance.

Qur’anic wording and context

The well-known supplication “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small” comes from Qur’an 17:24. It follows the instruction to speak respectfully to parents and lower the wing of humility toward them.

How to use it in Ramadan

The dua is not restricted to Ramadan or to parents who have died. It can be made throughout the year, including after prayer or during personal dua. A Ramadan page should therefore present it as a Qur’anic supplication that is especially suitable for a month of increased worship, not as a Ramadan-specific formula.

If family relationships are difficult

Respect for parents does not require pretending that harm or abuse did not occur. Users facing serious family harm may need trusted scholarly, safeguarding or professional support in addition to a short devotional text.