Gifts for Parents: Quran Verses of Gratitude for Their Home

What do you give the people who gave you everything? Parents rarely want more things. What they value is being remembered, and a home that reflects their faith. A piece of calligraphy chosen with thought does both, and it is in front of them every day.

The dua for parents

“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small."” (Al-Isra 17:24)

This is the prayer the Quran itself teaches a child to make. Rabbir-hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira: have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small. As a gift, it is a way of saying thank you in the best words there are. Painted for your parents' home, it is also a prayer made aloud each time one of their children reads it. Read the verse in Arabic.

The Prophet ﷺ was asked who most deserves a person's good company. He answered “Your mother” three times, and then “Your father” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5971).

Five gift ideas

1. The dua for parents, with your family's names

The verse above, with the names of the children or a date added beneath in small script. This is a commission; start with the custom artwork process.

2. The verses they recite every day

Most parents have a daily routine of recitation: Ayatul Kursi, the Four Quls, the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. Giving them the verses they already love is never wrong. See the Four Quls in maroon and gold, the last two verses of Al-Baqarah on mint green, and our Ayatul Kursi article.

3. A prayer for the whole family

“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.” (Ibrahim 14:40)

Ibrahim's prayer for himself and his descendants suits the room where the family gathers. Read the verse.

4. A reminder of the journey they made, or long to make

For parents who have performed Hajj or Umrah, or who dream of it, a painting of the Kaaba or Madinah means a great deal. Read gift ideas for a returning pilgrim.

5. A verse of thanks

The refrain of Surah Ar-Rahman, which of the favours of your Lord would you deny, is a favourite of an older generation. See the Surah Rahman gold canvas and the Surah Rahman wall art guide.

Choosing for their home, not yours

• Match their taste. Many parents prefer traditional palettes: gold with black, deep green or maroon, and clear, readable script.
• Make it readable. Choose lettering large enough to be read comfortably without glasses from where they sit.
• Think about the wall. The main sitting room and the prayer space are the usual places. If you can, ask a sibling to measure the wall quietly. The size guide gives proportions.
• Consider a frame. A framed piece looks complete the moment it is unwrapped. Read framed or unframed.

Sending it from far away

If you live abroad and your parents are in Pakistan, you can order for delivery to their address, add a message, and have the parcel packed without prices. Read our guide for overseas buyers for how ordering and delivery work.

When to give it

Eid, a wedding anniversary, a return from Umrah, a move to a new house, or no occasion at all. A gift that arrives for no reason is often the one remembered longest. Browse Islamic art gifts, the gift guide and the Ramadan and Eid gift guide.

Sources

• Quran translation: Saheeh International, as shown in the InkByHand Verse Library.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 5971.