From Duas from the Qur'an

Rabbir hamhuma: a Du'a for parents

Quick answer

A tender Quranic prayer for both parents, asking Allah (SWT) to show them mercy in recognition of the care they gave when you were small.

When to recite

Recite it for your parents while they are living and continue praying for them after they have died. It fits naturally after Salah, during personal Du'a, or whenever their care comes to mind. No fixed count is stated.

Verified wording

The Arabic and meaning are paired with Quran 17:24. No special promise or count is added without a cited basis.

Arabic
رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Transliteration

Rabbi-rhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira.

Meaning in English

My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.

Word by word
رَبِّ
Rabbi
My Lord
ارْحَمْهُمَا
Irhamhuma
Have mercy on them both
كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي
Kama rabbayani
As they raised me
صَغِيرًا
Saghira
When I was small
Meaning and context

The verse comes after commands to worship Allah (SWT) alone and to treat parents with excellence, especially when they reach old age. The prayer turns gratitude into both gentle conduct and sincere Du'a.

Its image is personal: as they cared for you when you were small, you ask the Most Merciful to care for them. It is brief enough to learn as a family and broad enough to remain part of a person's life for decades.

Source: Quran 17:24
Common questions
Can I recite this Du'a for parents who have died?

Yes. Asking Allah (SWT) to have mercy on one's parents remains a meaningful prayer after their death.

Does this Du'a replace caring for living parents?

No. Quran 17:23-24 joins prayer with respectful words, humility, and good treatment. The Du'a should deepen that conduct.

Share this dua
Rabbir hamhuma: a Du'a for parents: Arabic, transliteration, and translation
Tap to save to your photos or share anywhere else
Also useful for
Related authentic duas