Prayers for Righteous Offspring

Islam emphasizes the importance of raising children in a righteous manner, linking supplication for well-being in the Quran to the welfare of one’s descendants. Allah – the Almighty – states: “Until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, ‘My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.'” (Quran 46:15).

Moreover, Islam warns against being overly consumed by one’s children at the expense of self-purification and religious duties. Allah – the Exalted – mentions: “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope” (Quran 18:46). Presented below are some prayers aimed at ensuring the righteousness of our offspring, serving as a means of securing success in the Hereafter and entering Paradise.

Prayers from Prophets and Righteous Individuals for Their Descendants

In the Quran, supplications appear in various forms, particularly the prayers of prophets and righteous individuals for their children, such as:

The supplication of Prophet Zechariah – peace be upon him – as recorded: “There, Zechariah called to his Lord, saying, ‘My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearing of Supplication'” (Quran 3:38).
The prayer of Prophet Ibrahim – peace be upon him – where he states: “My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication” (Quran 14:40).
The prayer of the wife of Imran: “And when she delivered her, she said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have delivered a female.’ And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and indeed I seek refuge for her in You and [I seek refuge] for her descendants from Satan, the expelled” (Quran 3:36).

Recorded Supplications from the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him –

Among the prayers for righteous offspring mentioned in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – are:

According to Ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with him -: “The Prophet – peace be upon him – entered the restroom, and I placed water for his ablution. He asked, ‘Who placed this?’ When informed, he said, ‘O Allah, grant him understanding in the religion'” (related in Hadith).
Anas bin Malik – may Allah be pleased with him – reported that his mother said: “O Messenger of Allah, my servant Anas is here; pray to Allah for him.” The Prophet replied, “O Allah, increase his wealth and offspring and bless him in what You have given him” (related in Hadith).
Abdullah bin Abbas – may Allah be pleased with him – narrated: “The Prophet – peace be upon him – used to seek protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, saying, ‘Indeed, your father used to seek protection for Isma’il and Ishaq: I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and poisonous creature, and from every evil eye'” (related in Hadith).

Various Prayers

It is recommended for a Muslim to draw closer to Allah – the Mighty and Majestic – through frequent supplication for oneself, one’s children, and all believers. Some suggested prayers for righteous offspring include:

“O Allah, You who made Zechariah’s wife righteous, make my offspring righteous, and do not deprive them of the best of what you have due to my shortcomings. O Allah, amen.”
“O Provider, O Bestower, O Generous One, grant me righteous and reformed offspring, and make them, O my Lord, among the inhabitants of this earth and the people of Paradise, and keep them far from the whispers of Satan. O Allah, amen.”
“O Allah, You who granted me without my asking, do not deprive me when I am asking. O Allah, reform my condition, accept my deeds, and make my offspring among Your righteous servants, O Giver of righteousness and abundance. O Allah, make them among the carriers of Your noble Book and those who act upon it. O Allah, amen.”