A Dua for Our Parents
Inspired by Dua 24 of Imam Zayn al-‘Abideen (AS) From the Sahifa Sajjadiya – The Psalms of Islam
In the Name of Allah, the Infinitely Merciful to all creation,
The Especially Merciful to the faithful congregation.
O Allah!
Send Your boundless blessings upon Muhammad,
Your final Prophet, Your most beloved servant,
And upon his radiant, purified Household—
The Chosen Lights, guiltless and brave.
Rain down peace upon them in a measure befitting their station,
From the endless treasury of Your Mercy and Grace.
Exalt their rank in every heart and every generation.
And through them, elevate our mothers and fathers—
Though imperfect, still precious in Your sight,
Still beloved by us, and deserving of prayer and light.
By their sacrifices, we stand. By Your mercy, we pray.
O Lord of the heavens, the earth, and the sea,
Who nourishes every creature that walks, swims, or flies free—
Grant us the strength to honour our parents with reverence,
To speak with softness, to act with patience,
To serve them not from obligation but deep devotion—
As if obedience to them quenches our thirst,
As if their pleasure is more precious than gold or gem.
Let us never be cold, indifferent, or weary,
But joyous in duty, as Your knowledge inspires us.
Perfect our shortcomings, O Perfector of flaws,
Through the intercession of the Ahlul Bayt—
Whose light reclaims even our lost cause.
Make us fountains of kindness to those who gave us life.
Let our voices fall low when they are near.
Let our tones be gentle—warm, sincere.
Let not rudeness taint the words we speak,
Nor pride stop us from growing meek.
Let our hearts melt at their presence,
Let our hands rise for their welfare,
Let our love for them bloom
Like a flower touched by divine air.
O Allah!
Reward them richly for their endless care—
For every sleepless night, each whispered prayer,
Each tear they shed unseen for our sake,
Each burden they bore, every sacrifice they make.
Forgive our failings in their regard, O Forgiver of all wrong.
If ever I was ungrateful, neglectful, or harsh,
If my actions have left even a single scar,
If I failed in duties or fell short in love,
Accept this plea as atonement from above.
Transform every weight I placed upon them
Into a blessing that lifts them higher in Your Garden.
And if my parents ever erred in their treatment of me,
Through word or deed, omission or decree,
If they faltered, as humans often do,
Then by Your Mercy, I forgive them too.
For their love outweighs every misstep and flaw—
And I ask You, Lord, to accept this as law.
I owe them what I can never repay—except by love and prayer.
What fee could repay the breath of life they gave?
What price equals the embrace of a mother,
Or the firm, guiding hand of a father?
Their care—unpaid, unmatched, unwavering—
Was Your Mercy manifested in human form.
And I, a child of that mercy, am forever indebted,
Bound by a sacred oath I joyfully accept.
So bless them, O Lord, beyond measure.
Bless them with peace, security, and light.
Bless them in life and bless them in death.
Make their graves gardens of serenity and fragrance.
Raise them among the righteous and pure.
And let my prayers for them reach them like gifts,
Brighter than stars, more fragrant than musk.
Make their names honoured on the Day of Resurrection.
And if they have already been forgiven,
Then let their intercession protect me from the Fire.
Let us be reunited under the canopy of Your Mercy—
With no pain, no grief, no parting ever again.
Because You are the Source of all mercy—without beginning or end.
O Allah!
Bless Muhammad and his Chosen Family.
They are the shining mirrors of Your light,
The true guides of humanity,
The ones through whom You perfect hearts
And bring dignity to the lowly.
For their sake, accept this prayer.
For their sake, forgive our parents.
For their sake, lift us high in Your presence.
And let us dwell in eternal closeness to You—
In a Paradise where love never fades,
And families never part.
O Allah, bless Muhammad’s soul.
And rain down peace upon his Household.
Now and forever.
Reference: ABNA24