The Prayers of Parents Upon Their Children

This is a letter from the brother Ahmad Hasan Zaid from the Yemen Arab Republic. In his letter, he has several questions, among which is this: He says, “A man has three sons who do not fall short in their obedience to him and their dutifulness toward him, yet he prays against them. Does his prayer harm them?”
Answer: It is not befitting for a believer to pray against his children; rather, he should beware of doing so, for it may coincide with a time when supplication is answered. He should not pray against them. If they are righteous, the prohibition of praying against them is even more severe. As for if they are falling short, he should also not pray against them, but rather pray for them for guidance, righteousness, and success. This is what is befitting for a believer. The texts from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) have come warning against a person praying against his child, or against his family, or against his wealth, lest it coincide with a time when supplication is answered, thereby harming himself, his family, and his child.
So you, O questioner, should guard your tongue, and you should emphasize to those you teach who engage in this matter that they should guard their tongues and fear Allah in this, so that they do not pray against their child or against any other Muslim, but rather pray for them for good, and pray for them for rectitude and uprightness, not pray against them with what harms them. And Allah is the One to be asked for help. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.