Everyday Sunnah Duas — For Eating, Sleeping, Parents & Forgiveness

Last updated: July 2026

The Prophet ﷺ taught us to turn to Allah in every part of the day — before we eat, before we sleep, when we wake, and in seeking forgiveness. These short everyday duas are easy to memorise and transform ordinary moments into acts of worship. Here are the essential ones with Arabic, transliteration, and meaning.

Dua Before Eating

Transliteration: Bismillah. (If forgotten at the start: Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu — “In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.”)

English: “In the name of Allah.”

The Prophet ﷺ taught that we begin eating with the name of Allah. Simply saying “Bismillah” before your meal fulfils this Sunnah.

Dua After Eating

Transliteration: Alhamdulillahilladhi at’amana wa saqana wa ja’alana Muslimin.

English: “All praise is for Allah who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims.”

Ending the meal with gratitude to Allah completes the Sunnah of eating.

Dua Before Sleeping

Transliteration: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.

English: “In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”

The Prophet ﷺ would recite this before sleeping. It is also Sunnah to recite Ayatul Kursi and the last three surahs (blowing into the hands and wiping over the body) before sleep for protection through the night.

Dua Upon Waking

Transliteration: Alhamdulillahilladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushur.

English: “All praise is for Allah who gave us life after having taken it from us, and unto Him is the resurrection.”

Dua for Parents

Arabic: رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Transliteration: Rabbir hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira.

English: “My Lord, have mercy upon them (my parents) as they brought me up when I was small.” (Surah al-Isra 17:24)

This beautiful Qur’anic dua asks Allah’s mercy for our parents in return for the mercy they showed us in childhood. It can be recited for living and deceased parents. Another common addition:

English: “My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and grant them Paradise.”

Honouring parents through dua is among the most beloved acts, and continues to benefit them even after they pass away.

Istighfar — The Dua for Seeking Forgiveness

The simplest istighfar: Transliteration: Astaghfirullah. — “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”

A fuller form: Transliteration: Astaghfirullaha rabbi min kulli dhanbin wa atubu ilayh. — “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for every sin, and I turn to Him in repentance.”

Sayyidul Istighfar (the best form of seeking forgiveness): “O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your servant… I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for none forgives sins but You.”

The Prophet ﷺ himself sought Allah’s forgiveness many times each day. Regular istighfar brings forgiveness, relief from difficulty, and provision — as mentioned in Surah Nuh (71:10-12).

Why Build These Duas Into Your Day

These small supplications:

Turn routine actions (eating, sleeping) into worship
Keep the heart connected to Allah throughout the day
Follow the direct example of the Prophet ﷺ
Are short enough for anyone — including children — to memorise

You don’t need to learn them all at once. Pick one or two, make them a habit, then add more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you say before eating in Islam? Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before eating. If you forget and start, say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu.”

What is the dua before sleeping? “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya” — “In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.” Reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleep is also strongly recommended for protection.

What is the dua for parents in the Quran? “Rabbir hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira” — “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small” (Surah al-Isra 17:24).

How do you make istighfar? The simplest form is “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness). The most complete is Sayyidul Istighfar. Sincere repentance alongside the words is what matters most.

Can I make dua for deceased parents? Yes — dua for deceased parents is one of the acts that continues to benefit them after death, alongside ongoing charity and beneficial knowledge they left behind.

May Allah accept our duas and fill our days with His remembrance. Ameen. 🤲