The Word "Rabbirhamhumaa Kamaa Rabbayani" Meaning in Arabic

The phrase “رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا” (Rabbirhamhumaa kamaa rabbayani sagheera) is a well-known Arabic supplication. It holds deep religious significance, especially in Islamic teachings. This article explains its meaning, linguistic roots, Quranic relevance, and usage in daily life.

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The Meaning of “Rabbirhamhumaa Kamaa Rabbayani” in Arabic

The phrase translates to:
“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.”

رَبِّ (Rabbi): “My Lord”
ارْحَمْهُمَا (irhamhumaa): “Have mercy on them” (referring to parents)
كَمَا (kamaa): “Just as”
رَبَّيَانِي (rabbayani): “They raised me”
صَغِيرًا (sagheera): “When I was young”

This prayer is often recited by children for their parents, asking Allah to bless them in return for their care.

Linguistic Root and Grammatical Usage

The phrase comes from classical Arabic and includes key root words:

ر-ح-م (R-H-M): Linked to mercy (e.g., رحمة – rahma)
ر-ب-ب (R-B-B): Related to nurturing or upbringing (e.g., ربّ – Rabb – Lord)

Grammatically:

ارْحَمْهُمَا (irhamhumaa): A command form (dua) addressing Allah.
رَبَّيَانِي (rabbayani): Past tense verb meaning “they raised me.”

Examples of “Rabbirhamhumaa Kamaa Rabbayani” in Arabic Sentences

يَدْعُو المُسْلِمُ بِـ “رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا” لِوَالِدَيْهِ.
“A Muslim prays, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was young,’ for his parents.”
هَذَا الدُعَاءُ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَ الشُّكْرِ وَالرَّحْمَةِ.
“This prayer combines gratitude and mercy.”

Cultural or Quranic Significance of “Rabbirhamhumaa Kamaa Rabbayani”

This phrase reflects Quranic teachings on honoring parents. While the exact words are not a Quranic verse, the meaning aligns with:

Surah Al-Isra (17:24): “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.'”

Muslims use this dua to seek blessings for their parents, especially after their passing.

Common Misunderstandings or Mistakes

Some confuse رَبَّيَانِي (rabbayani) with رَبِّي (Rabbi – My Lord).
The phrase is often mispronounced; the correct form is “Rabbirhamhumaa” (not “Rabbi irhamhumaa”).

Why You Should Learn “Rabbirhamhumaa Kamaa Rabbayani”

Religious Importance: A key dua for parents in Islam.
Daily Use: Spoken in prayers and moments of remembrance.
Language Practice: Helps understand Arabic verb forms and grammar.

Conclusion

The phrase “Rabbirhamhumaa kamaa rabbayani” carries deep spiritual and linguistic value. It teaches gratitude, mercy, and the importance of parents in Islam. Learning its meaning enhances both Arabic understanding and religious practice.

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