Parents often pray for their children to be protected, guided and righteous. Islamic tradition includes several blessed supplications made by Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, for children and young companions, along with Quranic prayers for righteous families and offspring.
Among the most well-known is the supplication the Prophet used to seek protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn.
What Are the Prophetic Supplications for Children?
One of the most famous supplications reported from the Prophet for children is the prayer of protection that he used for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn.
The Prophet’s Supplication for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to seek protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn by saying:
“I seek protection for you both in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, harmful creature, and every evil eye.”
This supplication is widely recognized as a prophetic prayer for protecting children. It expresses reliance upon Allah and a request for protection from various forms of harm.
The Prophet’s Supplication for Abdullah ibn Abbas
Another well-known prophetic supplication was made for the young companion Abdullah ibn Abbas.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“O Allah, grant him deep understanding of the religion.”
This prayer highlights the importance of asking Allah to grant children beneficial knowledge, sound understanding and uprightness.
Supplications for Righteous Children and Offspring
In addition to specific prophetic supplications, the Quran contains comprehensive prayers that Muslims can use when asking Allah for righteous children and families.
A Quranic Prayer for Children to Be a Source of Joy
Allah says:
“Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.”
This is a comprehensive prayer asking Allah to make one's family and offspring a source of happiness, righteousness and devotion.
Praying for Children’s Guidance
Parents may also ask Allah to guide their children, keep them on the straight path and make them among those who are righteous.
One possible supplication is:
O Allah, make my children rightly guided and guides for others, neither astray nor leading others astray.
Praying for Children’s Protection
Parents can also ask Allah for protection and care for their children, including the following supplication:
O Allah, protect them with Your protection and watch over them with Your care that never sleeps.
A Muslim may supplicate to Allah for any lawful good, provided that the meaning of the prayer does not involve sin or transgression.
How Can Parents Pray for Their Children?
Parents can regularly pray for their children’s protection, guidance, knowledge and righteousness. They may combine established supplications with personal prayers asking Allah to grant their children goodness in this life and the Hereafter.
Supplication can also be accompanied by good upbringing, guidance and positive example, helping children grow with faith, good character and upright conduct.
What is a famous prophetic prayer for protecting children?
One of the best-known is the supplication seeking Allah’s protection from every devil, harmful creature and evil eye.
What did the Prophet pray for Abdullah ibn Abbas?
He prayed: “O Allah, grant him deep understanding of the religion.”
What is a Quranic prayer for righteous offspring?
A well-known prayer is: “Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.”
Can parents pray for their children’s protection and guidance?
Yes. Parents may pray for their children’s protection, guidance, righteousness and all other lawful forms of goodness.
