Āyatu'l-Kursī

Introduction

Āyatu’l-Kursī (آية الكرسي), known as “The Verse of the Throne,” is one of the most significant verses in the Qur’an. It is Verse 255 of Surah al-Baqarah (Chapter 2 of the Qur’an). This verse is often recited for its profound spiritual benefits and protective qualities.

Etymology and Translation

• Arabic: آية الكرسي
• Transliteration: Āyatu’l-Kursī
• Turkish: Ayetel Kürsî

The term Āyatu’l-Kursī combines two Arabic words:

• Āyah (آية), meaning “verse” or “sign.”
• Kursī (كرسي), meaning “throne.”

Text of Āyatu’l-Kursī

1اللّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَهُ 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

Translation:

<p>God! There is no god but He; the Living, the Abiding. Neither slumber seizes Him, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot encompass anything of His knowledge except what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not tire Him. He is the Most High, the Most Great.</p>

Spiritual and Practical Benefits

According to Islamic tradition, Āyatu’l-Kursī holds immense spiritual significance:

1. Protection: Recitation of Āyatu’l-Kursī is believed to provide protection from evil and harm. It is often recited before sleeping and after prayers.
2. Entry to Paradise: A narration reports that the Prophet Muhammad said, whoever recites Āyatu’l-Kursī after every obligatory prayer, nothing prevents them from entering Paradise except death.
3. Divine Safeguard: Reciting this verse at night is believed to safeguard the reciter, their family, and even neighbors.

Historical and Theological Context

• Sources of Tradition: The recommendation to recite Āyatu’l-Kursī for protection is found in Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, an influential Hadith collection.
• Qur’anic Context: The verse emphasizes the sovereignty, knowledge, and omnipotence of God, asserting that God’s Throne (symbolizing His absolute authority) extends over the heavens and the earth.

Further Reading

• Books:
  • “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
  • “The Meanings of the Glorious Quran” by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
  • “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” by Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti

Takeaways and Conclusion

Summary

• Āyatu’l-Kursī is considered one of the most powerful and protective verses in the Qur’an.
• Its recitation is a common practice for spiritual protection and blessings.
• Known as the “Verse of the Throne,” it underscores God’s unparalleled authority and knowledge.

Closing Note

Reciting Āyatu’l-Kursī regularly can serve as a powerful spiritual exercise for Muslims, reinforcing their faith in God’s omnipotence and seeking His protection in their daily lives.