The Quran preserves the supplications the prophets made for their families — Zakariya's plea for a child, Ibrahim's prayer for righteous descendants, the dua of the worshippers for spouses who are the comfort of their eyes.
Rabbi la tadharni fardan, wa anta khayru-l-warithin.
“My Lord, do not leave me alone, and You are the best of inheritors.”
Zakariya's dua for a child, after years of waiting. A dua for anything you've been hoping for too long.
Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a'yun, wa-j'alna li-l-muttaqina imama.
“Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the God-conscious.”
The dua of 'the servants of the Most Merciful'. For a family that is a source of coolness, not stress.
Rabbi awzi'ni an ashkura ni'mataka-llati an'amta 'alayya wa 'ala walidayy, wa an a'mala salihan tardahu, wa aslih li fi dhurriyyati, inni tubtu ilayka wa inni mina-l-muslimin.
“My Lord, inspire me to be grateful for the favour You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and to do righteousness of which You approve, and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have turned to You, and I am among the Muslims.”
The dua of one reaching maturity (forty). A complete prayer for gratitude, parents, good deeds, and children who will carry the good forward.
Rabbi-j'alni muqima-s-salah, wa min dhurriyyati. Rabbana wa taqabbal du'a'.
“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.”
Ibrahim, decades into his mission, still asking for prayer to be established in his line. The quiet prayer every parent should have on their lips.