Ayat-ul-kursi is the most popular and most recited verse of the Holy Qur’an. It is the 255th verse of the second chapter, Surah al Baqarah. The verse describes Allah’s glory, His power, and His kingdom in very beautiful words. Before we take a look at its importance, let us first know the translation:
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] 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 [presently] 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.”
To realize the importance of this verse, let us have a look at what Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) said about it:
“Everything has its splendor, and the splendor of the Qur’an is Surah al-Baqara. In it, is a verse which is the greatest verse of the Qur’an: Ayat-ul-Kursi.” [Tirmidhi]
- Key to Paradise:
Ayat-ul-kursi is beautiful, powerful, and beneficial in many ways. It can be a gateway to Paradise. After all the obligatory prayers, one should recite this splendid verse. As Allah’s Apostle (P.B.U.H) said:
Whosoever recites Ayat al Kursi after every Prayer then nothing can stop him from entering Paradise except for death (i.e. he will for sure enter paradise after death) [Sunnan Nasai’i al Kubra, At-Tabrani]
- Guard Against Satan:
Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala appreciates the recitation of this verse. He assigns angels for those who recite it with sincerity to guard him against devil and his attacks. An incident has been recorded in the book of hadiths:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing of the foodstuff. I caught him and said, “I will take you to Allah’s Apostle!” Then Abu Huraira described the whole narration and said: That person said (to me), “Please don’t take me to Allah’s Apostle and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you. When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi, (2:255) for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn.” (When the Prophet heard the story) he said (to me), “He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan.” [Sahih Bukhari]
- Protection:
On another occasion, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) asked believers to recite this ayah for protection against evils. He said:
“If anyone recites in the morning (Al-Quran 40:1-3) and ayat al-kursi (2:255) then he is protected thereby until evening. And, if anyone recites these verses in the evening then he is protected thereby till it is morning.” [Tirmidhi]
Most of the believers know this great ayah by heart. Understanding its benefits help strengthen the faith. Also, we are likely to recite it more sincerely if we understand the Glory of our Creator as is defined in this verse. May Allah bless us all!