In Islam, prayer holds a special place in the hearts of believers. It is a way to seek guidance, help, and mercy from Allah, the Most Merciful. One of the most important aspects of prayer is making dua, or supplication. Dua is a way to communicate our innermost thoughts and desires to Allah, and it is a means of seeking His help and blessings. In the Quran, Allah says; “Call upon me, I will respond to you” (40:60), emphasizing the importance of making dua.
When it comes to parents, the act of making dua for them is not only important but also highly rewarding in Islam. Parents hold a special place in Islam, and it is the duty of every Muslim to honor and respect their parents. Making dua for them is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for all that they have done for us.
The importance of making dua for parents is established through various Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is narrated in a hadith from Abu Huraira that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said; “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him” (Muslim). This hadith highlights the significance of making dua for our parents after they have passed away. It is a way to continue to benefit them even after their demise.
In another hadith, Abu Huraira reported that a person asked Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as to who amongst the people is most deserving of his good treatment. He said; “Your mother.” The man asked, “Who next?” The Prophet said; “Your mother.” The man asked again, “Who next?” The Prophet said; “Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” Thereupon the Prophet said; “Your father” (Bukhari and Muslim). This hadith emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting parents and making dua for their well-being.
As for the specific dua for parents, there are several prayers mentioned in the Sunnah that can be recited for their well-being. One of the most well-known duas for parents is the following:
Arabic:
رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Transliteration:
Rabbi irhamhuma kama rabbayani sagheera
Translation:
“My Lord, have mercy upon them (parents) as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
This dua, found in Surah Al-Isra, is a beautiful way to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings for our parents. It is a way to pray for their well-being and to show our appreciation for all that they have done for us.
In addition to the above dua, there are also other ways to seek blessings for our parents. One of the most effective ways to ensure that our prayers are accepted is to give charity with a sincere intention. The act of giving charity, or Sadaqah, is highly recommended in Islam and it holds great reward in the eyes of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said; “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Tirmidhi). This emphasizes the cleansing and purifying nature of giving charity. When we give charity with a sincere intention, it not only helps those in need but also acts as a means of seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings. The Quran mentions the benefits of giving charity in Surah Al-Baqarah; “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears, and in every ear there are a hundred grains. Thus, Allah multiplies the action of whom He wills…” (2:261).
Therefore, when we make dua for our parents and give charity with a sincere intention, we are not only fulfilling our duty as believers but also seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings for our loved ones. It is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for all that our parents have done for us, and it is also a means of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for them.