Meaning, Explanation, and Significance
Ayatul Kursi, known as the “Verse of the Throne,” is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah (the second chapter of the Quran). It is widely regarded as the greatest verse in the entire Quran, as affirmed in authentic hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This single verse encapsulates the core of Islamic monotheism (Tawhid), describing Allah’s unique attributes of oneness, eternal life, sovereignty, knowledge, and power. Its name derives from the word “Kursi” (Throne or Footstool), symbolizing Allah’s encompassing dominion over creation.
Full Text and Translation
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن 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
Transliteration:
Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum. La ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm. Lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-ard. Man dhal-ladhi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-idhnih. Ya’lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum, wa la yuhituna bi shay’in min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a. Wasi’a kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-ard, wa la ya’uduhu hifzuhuma, wa Huwal-‘Aliyyul-‘Azim.
English Translation (Sahih International):
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.
This translation captures the essence, though slight variations exist across scholars (e.g., Yusuf Ali or Pickthall emphasize “the Living, the Eternal” for Al-Hayyul-Qayyum).
Verse-by-Verse Explanation (Tafsir)
Ayatul Kursi can be divided into several key phrases, each highlighting a fundamental attribute of Allah. Classical tafsirs (exegeses) by scholars like Ibn Kathir, Tabari, and modern ones like Maariful Quran provide deep insights.
- “Allah—there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence” (Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum):
This opens with the declaration of pure monotheism: Allah alone is worthy of worship. “Al-Hayy” (the Ever-Living) means Allah is eternally alive, without beginning or end, immune to death or decay. “Al-Qayyum” (the Sustainer) implies He maintains and manages all creation independently—every atom exists by His will. Unlike humans who need rest or sustenance, Allah is self-sufficient. This refutes polytheism and affirms Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (oneness in worship) and Tawhid al-Asma wa al-Sifat (oneness in names and attributes). - “Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep” (La ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm):
Humans experience drowsiness (sinah) and sleep (nawm) due to weakness, but Allah is free from such limitations. This emphasizes His perfect vigilance and power—He never tires or becomes inattentive. It contrasts with false deities imagined by pagans as needing rest. - “To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth” (Lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-ard):
Absolute ownership: Everything in the universe belongs to Allah alone. No creature has true possession; we are merely stewards. This underscores His sovereignty and refutes claims of partners or intermediaries owning parts of creation. - “Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” (Man dhal-ladhi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-idhnih):
Intercession (shafa’ah) on Judgment Day is possible only with Allah’s approval. No angel, prophet, or saint can intercede independently—this combats misconceptions in other faiths where intermediaries are elevated to near-divine status. Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will seek permission for intercession. - “He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them” (Ya’lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum):
Allah’s omniscience: He knows the past, present, and future of all creation. “Before them” refers to what is ahead (future), and “after them” to what is behind (past). Nothing escapes His knowledge. - “And they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills” (Wa la yuhituna bi shay’in min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a):
Creatures’ knowledge is limited and granted by Allah alone. Humans, angels, and jinn cannot comprehend anything beyond what He permits. This humbles us, reminding that true wisdom comes from divine revelation, not human intellect alone. - “His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth” (Wasi’a kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-ard):
“Kursi” is interpreted variably: literally as Allah’s Footstool (distinct from the Throne or ‘Arsh), metaphorically as His dominion, knowledge, or authority. Scholars like Ibn Abbas said it encompasses the heavens and earth, vast beyond imagination. It symbolizes Allah’s infinite power transcending creation—no spatial limits apply to Him. - “And their preservation tires Him not” (Wa la ya’uduhu hifzuhuma):
Sustaining the vast universe does not burden or fatigue Allah. Unlike human rulers overwhelmed by responsibilities, His guardianship is effortless. - “And He is the Most High, the Most Great” (Wa Huwal-‘Aliyyul-‘Azim):
Closing with two majestic names: “Al-Aliyy” (the Most High, exalted above all) and “Al-Azim” (the Most Great, immense in glory). This affirms His supremacy in status, power, and essence.
Overall, Ayatul Kursi summarizes Allah’s perfection, refuting anthropomorphism, polytheism, and limited human perceptions of divinity.
Virtues and Benefits (Fada’il)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted Ayatul Kursi’s unparalleled status in numerous authentic hadiths:
- Greatest Verse: Ubayy bin Ka’b reported the Prophet asking which verse is greatest; he replied Ayatul Kursi, and the Prophet approved, saying knowledge blesses him (Muslim). Another hadith calls it the “chief” of Quranic verses.
- Protection from Evil: Abu Hurairah narrated: A thief (actually Satan in disguise) taught him to recite it before sleep for protection; the Prophet confirmed it wards off Satan until morning (Bukhari). Reciting it appoints a guardian angel.
- After Prayers: Abu Umamah reported: Reciting it after every obligatory prayer leaves only death between one and Paradise (Nasai, graded sahih).
- Daily Safeguard: Reciting in morning/evening protects until the opposite time. It expels devils from homes and safeguards neighbors.
- Spiritual Healing: Used in ruqyah (exorcism) against evil eye, jinn, and harm, as the Quran is a mercy and healing (Quran 17:82).
These virtues make it a daily staple for millions of Muslims, recited for protection, blessings, and nearness to Allah.
Historical and Spiritual Context
Revealed in Madinah, amid challenges from hypocrites and polytheists, it reinforces faith in Allah’s absolute control. Memorized by children early, it fosters Tawhid from youth. Scholars like Sufyan al-Thawri said its recitation brings barakah (blessings) to homes.
In practice, recite it after salah, before sleep, when leaving home, or in distress. Contemplating its meaning deepens iman (faith), reminding us of Allah’s majesty amid worldly chaos.
Ayatul Kursi is more than words—it’s a shield, a declaration of faith, and a gateway to understanding the Divine. Its recitation brings peace, protection, and eternal reward, embodying the Quran’s miraculous depth in one profound verse.
