Ayat al-Kursi, al-
Description and Significance
Ayat al-Kursi, also known as the Verse of the Throne, refers to a specific verse in the Quran (Chapter 2, Verse 255). This verse is one of the most important and revered within Islamic tradition due to its themes of divine omnipotence and providence. It is often recited for protection against evil and to invoke God’s safeguarding power.
Textual Content
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ 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 بِشَيْءِ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَئُوذُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
Etymology
The Arabic term الكرسي (al-Kursi) translates to “the Throne” in English, symbolizing divine authority and sovereignty. The term is upheld within broader theological discussions concerning God’s supreme control over the universe.
Practiced Recitations
The verse is commonly recited at several junctures in a Muslim’s daily life:
- Before Sleep: To ensure safety during the night.
- After Prayer: For continued protection and spiritual blessings.
- Amulets: Frequently inscribed on protective talismans to keep evil at bay.
Significance in Hadith
Various hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) emphasize the power and protective quality of Ayat al-Kursi. For instance, it is narrated that the recitation of this verse after each obligatory prayer leads one directly toward paradise (Jannah).
Translations
Turkish Translation:
Allah! O’ndan başka hiçbir ilah yoktur. Diridir, kayyûmdur. Kendisine ne uyuklama erişir, ne de uyku. Göklerde ve yerde ne varsa O’nundur. İzni olmaksızın katında şefaatte bulunacak kimdir? O, onların önlerindekini ve arkalarındakini bilir. Onlar, O’nun dilediğinden başka, ilminden hiçbir şeyi kavrayamazlar. O’nun kürsüsü gökleri ve yeri kaplamıştır. Onların korunması O’na ağır gelmez. O, pek yüksek ve pek büyüktür.
Recommended Readings
- Qur’anic Ethics by Abdullah Saeed.
- God and Man in the Quran by Toshihiko Izutsu.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir (abridged) by Ibn Kathir, translated by Abridged by a Committee of Scholars.
Takeaways
Ayat al-Kursi is not only central to individual spiritual practice, providing a sense of God’s omnipresence and omnipotence, but it also enunciates themes that promote perseverance and peace of mind. Regular recitation serves both as a marker of faith and a profound spiritual safeguard.
Conclusion
The Verse of the Throne holds deep theological, spiritual, and psychological significance in Islam. Its well-documented power to protect and bless emphasizes its esteemed status among Muslims worldwide, making it an integral part of daily religious devotion.
