Duas for your parents, living and passed away
What the Qur'an teaches us to say for parents, and what continues to reach them after death.
Referenced from Qur'an and Sahih Muslim · Last updated 31 August 2026
Allah joined His right to the right of parents: "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and to parents good treatment." (Qur'an 17:23)
The Qur'anic dua for parents
*Rabbir-hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira* — "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small." (Qur'an 17:24)
And: *Rabbanaghfir li wa liwalidayya wa lil-mu'minina yawma yaqumul-hisab* — "Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day the account is established." (Qur'an 14:41)
What reaches a parent who has died?
"When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except three: an ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who supplicates for him." (Sahih Muslim 1631)
So: dua, charity given on their behalf, keeping their ties of kinship, and fulfilling their debts and promises.
What if my parents were not Muslim?
Kindness to them in this life is still commanded (Qur'an 31:15), and du'a for their guidance while they live is encouraged. Asking forgiveness for a person who died upon disbelief is not permitted (Qur'an 9:113) — a difficult ruling that is best discussed with a scholar who knows your situation.
Is the night the best time to pray for them?
The last third of the night is when Allah descends to the lowest heaven and asks who is calling upon Him. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145) Naming your parents in that window, by name, is one of the most direct forms of righteousness a child has left.
References
Qur'an — Surah al-Isra 17:23-24quran
Kindness to parents and the dua of mercy for them.
Qur'an — Surah Ibrahim 14:41quran
Asking forgiveness for oneself and one's parents.
Sahih Muslim — 1631hadith
The three deeds that continue after death.
Sahih al-Bukhari — 1145hadith
The descent in the last third of the night.
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