Ayat al-Kursi

Ayat al-Kursi (Arabic: آية الكرسي) is a highly revered verse from the Quran, found in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2, Verse 255). It is one of the most famous and frequently recited verses due to its profound meaning and spiritual significance.

The Text of Ayat al-Kursi (in Arabic):

اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الحَيُّ القَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

English Translation (Sahih International):

“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” (2:255)

Key Themes and Significance:

1. Affirmation of the Oneness of Allah:
   • Ayat al-Kursi begins with a declaration that Allah is the only deity worthy of worship. There is no god but Him, emphasizing the concept of Tawhid (monotheism).
2. Allah’s Qualities:
   • Ever-Living (Al-Hayy): Allah is eternal and ever-living, unlike anything in creation.
   • Sustainer of existence (Al-Qayyum): Allah is the one who maintains and sustains everything in the universe.
   • Free from weakness: Unlike humans, Allah does not experience fatigue, drowsiness, or sleep.
3. Supreme Knowledge:
   • Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything — past, present, and future. He knows everything that happens in the heavens and the earth, and no one can intercede with Him unless He permits it.
   • The verse also emphasizes that no one can fully grasp the extent of Allah’s knowledge except for what He allows them to know.
4. The Kursi:
   • Kursi (translated as “Throne” or “Footstool”) is often interpreted as a symbol of Allah’s dominion and sovereignty. It signifies His control over all creation, and it is described as extending over the heavens and the earth.
   • Some scholars explain that the Kursi represents the vastness of Allah’s authority and His mastery over all things.
5. Allah’s Preservation:
   • The verse also notes that Allah’s care and preservation of the heavens and the earth does not burden Him, highlighting His absolute power and transcendence.
6. Majesty and Greatness:
   • The verse concludes with Allah’s attributes of being Al-Aliyy (The Most High) and Al-Azim (The Most Great), reinforcing His supreme and unparalleled majesty.

Benefits and Virtues of Ayat al-Kursi:

1. Protection:
   • It is said that reciting Ayat al-Kursi after every prayer provides protection from harm. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that whoever recites it after every obligatory prayer, nothing but death will prevent them from entering Jannah (paradise).
2. Spiritual Safeguard:
   • It is a source of protection from evil forces, including Shayatin (devils). The verse serves as a shield for the believer when recited with sincerity.
3. Barakah (Blessing):
   • The verse is often recited for the seeking of blessings in one’s life and livelihood.
4. Recitation Before Sleeping:
   • It is recommended to recite Ayat al-Kursi before going to bed, as it is said to protect the person from harm throughout the night, particularly from evil whispers or unseen harm.
5. Fulfilling Needs:
   • Some narrations suggest that reciting Ayat al-Kursi is a means of seeking Allah’s help in fulfilling one’s needs, both worldly and spiritual.

Conclusion:

Ayat al-Kursi is a powerful verse that encapsulates the essence of Allah’s majesty, knowledge, and sovereignty. It is a reminder to believers of Allah’s transcendence and omnipotence. Its recitation is encouraged for protection, blessings, and spiritual fortification. The verse highlights the importance of recognizing Allah as the Sustainer and Protector of all creation, reinforcing the believer’s trust in His supreme authority.