The exact dua revealed by Allah in the Quran for parents. A powerful prayer for mercy upon mother, father, and all Muslim parents — living or deceased.
رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Recite daily — after every salah, during the last third of the night, on Fridays. It is especially recommended for living parents and also benefits deceased parents as a continuing charity (sadaqah jariyah).
"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word."
— Quran 17:23, Surah Al-IsraThe Prophet said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." (Muslim 1631)
The Prophet said a person's rank in Paradise can be raised by their child's dua for them, and the parent will say: "My Lord, how did I attain this?"
This dua is not just recommended — Allah revealed it in the Quran as the model supplication for parents, immediately following the command to honor them.
The angels say "Ameen" to your dua for your parents, and they also pray for you in return.