Virtues and Lessons of Ayat al Kursi

Virtues and Lessons of Ayat al Kursi

Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 255) is perhaps the most recited verse of the Holy Quran. It is considered one of the most powerful and significant verses in the Quran, and it holds several virtues and benefits.

Ayat al-Kursi is believed to protect from evil forces and negative influences. "Narrated Muhammad bin Sirin: Abu Huraira said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) put me in charge of the Zakat of Ramadan (i.e. Zakat-ul-Fitr). Someone came to me and started scooping some of the foodstuff of (Zakat) with both hands. I caught him and told him that I would take him to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." Then Abu Huraira told the whole narration and added "He (i.e. the thief) said, 'Whenever you go to your bed, recite the Verse of "Al-Kursi" (2.255) for then a guardian from Allah will be guarding you, and Satan will not approach you till dawn.' " On that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He told you the truth, though he is a liar, and he (the thief) himself was the Satan." He also reported God's Messenger as saying: “If anyone recites in the morning Hā Mīm al-Mu’min (Al-Qur’ān, 40:1-3) to ‘to Him is the final goal’ and the Throne Verse (Al-Qur’ān, 2:255) he will be guarded by them till the evening, and if anyone recites them in the evening he will be guarded by them till the morning.” Reciting it regularly is thought to act as a shield against harm and malevolent beings.

This long verse emphasizes the greatness, sovereignty, and knowledge of Allah SWT. Imam al Nawawi noted that Ayat al Kursi encompasses seven fundamental principles concerning the names and attributes of Allah, making it the most comprehensive verse in the Quran. Narrated Abu Hurairah: the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): "For everything, there is a hump (pinnacle) and the hump (pinnacle) of the Qur'an is Surat Al-Baqarah, in it there is an Ayah which is the master of the Ayat in the Qur'an; [it is] Ayat Al-Kursi." Aifa‘ b. ‘Abd al-Kilā‘ī told of a man who asked God’s messenger which sūra of the Qur’ān was greatest and was told that it is “Say, He is God, One.” He asked which verse of the Qur’ān was greatest and was told that it is the Throne Verse, “God, there is no god but He, the Living, he Eternal.” He asked God’s prophet which verse he would like to bring good to him and his people and was told, ‘‘The end of sūra al-Baqara, for it is one of the treasures of God’s mercy from under His Throne which He gave to this people, and there is no good in this world and the next which it does not include.”

Reciting Ayat al Kursi can help strengthen one's connection with Allah SWT and increase one's faith and devotion. It is believed to bring inner peace and tranquility to the heart and mind. It can help alleviate anxiety and stress, providing a sense of serenity. It is said in an authentic Hadith that whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after their five daily obligatory prayers will receive forgiveness from Allah SWT on the Day of Judgment. Narrated Abu Umamah (RA): Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi at the end of every obligatory prayer, nothing but death will prevent him from entering Paradise."

Many Muslims find it easier to memorize Ayat al-Kursi due to its rhythmic and melodious nature. Memorizing this verse can be a means of earning rewards. Hanging or displaying Ayat al-Kursi in one's home is believed to bring blessings and protection to the household. Reciting Ayat al-Kursi before embarking on a journey is considered a means of seeking Allah's protection for a safe and smooth trip. Some believe that reciting Ayat al-Kursi can have a healing effect, both physically and spiritually, and can provide relief from various illnesses and troubles. It greatly helps in purifying the hearts. Regular recitation is thought to help in dispelling negative thoughts, doubts, and temptations, thereby aiding in maintaining a pure and virtuous mindset. Reflecting on the meanings of Ayat al-Kursi can lead to a deeper understanding of the attributes of Allah, His power, and His knowledge.

It's important to note that while Ayat al-Kursi is highly revered in Islamic tradition and believed to carry many virtues, its true power lies in the sincerity and faith of the person reciting it. Muslims often incorporate the recitation of Ayat al-Kursi into their daily spiritual practices to seek protection, guidance, and blessings from Allah.

The main significance and strength of Ayat al Kursi lies in its categorical proclamation of divine Unity and transcendence. It starts with the Unitarian formula of La ilaha. The divine Unity is the essence of the Holy Qur’an.

In the Qur’an, the Islamic Unitarian formula with its La ilaha form occurs 41 times. This is in addition to the numerous other forms (23 different formulas) that the Qur’an uses to negate godhead or divinity. The Qur’an states: “And your God is One God: there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful” (2:163).  In another place it states: “Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Supporter of all” (3:2). The reality of divine unity and transcendence is witnessed by God and by all of His righteous creatures: “There is no god but He: that is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endowed with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He the Exalted in Power, the Wise” (3:18).

The “Verse of the Throne” (Ayat al-Kursi) also starts with the same confession: “Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Supporter of all, no slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there who can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to His creatures as) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne does extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).”(2:255)

The famous exegete Al-Qurtubi relates that one day the Messenger of Allah asked Ubayy ibn Ka’ab, (one of the Companions of the Prophet): “O Abu al-Mundhir! Do you know which of the verses of the Book of God in your possession is the greatest?” Ubayy said, “God and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet repeated the question, and Ubayy answered, “God! There is no god but He, the Everlasting, the Eternal Sovereign.” The Prophet struck Ubayy in the chest and exclaimed, “You possess true knowledge....”

Another exegete Ibn Kathir relates on the authority of Abu Umamah that the Prophet said: “Whoever recites the Throne Verse after every prescribed prayer, nothing will stand between him and the Jannah (Paradise) except death.” Al-Bukhari narrates on the authority of Ibn Mas’ud that the Prophet said: “When you go to your bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi, 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.”

There are many other virtues mentioned in the books of tafsir and hadith regarding the Ayat al-Kursi. The point of emphasis in the verse is clear. It is one of the countless Qur’anic verses that leave no room for any confusion or ambiguity vis à-vis the absolute Oneness, Uniqueness, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience and Transcendence of God. Modern exegete Mawdudi explains the first part of the verse: “Irrespective of the number of gods or objects of worship set up by ignorant people, the fact remains that godhead in its entirety belongs exclusively to the Eternal Being, Who is indebted to no one for His existence. In fact, He is not only self-existent, but upon Him rests the entire order of the universe. None shares either His attributes or His power and might, and no one has the same claims against creatures as He. Hence, if anywhere in the heavens or the earth someone sets up anything or anybody as an object of worship and service (ilah) either instead of or in addition to the One True God, this amounts to declaring war on reality.”

With regards to the Shahadah’s significance, L. Gardet observes that “Even if monotheism cannot thus be considered the exclusive prerogative of Islam, the affirmation of the divine unicity in and by the Shahadah remains its characteristic heritage, the central fact structures its religious universe.” Al-Faruqi observes: “This seemingly negative statement, brief to the utmost limits of brevity, carries the greatest and richest meanings in the whole of Islam. Sometimes a whole culture, a whole civilization, or a whole history lies compressed in one sentence. This certainly is the case of al-kalimah (pronouncement) or al-shahadah of Islam. All the diversity, wealth and history, culture and learning, wisdom and civilization of Islam is compressed in this shortest of sentences – la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but God).”

In addition to the Shahadah, the Qur’an uses many other formulas to highlight the Unity and Oneness of God. “Allah has said: ‘Take not (for worship) two gods: for He is just One God: then fear me (and Me alone).’ To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him is the religion always: then will ye fear other than Allah?” (16:51–52). “But your God is One God: so submit then your will to Him...” (22:34). Prophet Muhammad is ordained to declare: “Say: ‘What has come to me by inspiration is that Your God is One God: will ye therefore bow to His Will (in Islam)?’” (21:108). “Say: ‘I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is One God: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner’” (18:110; see also 13:30; 13:36; 6:56; 6:71; 6:162; 6:163; 10:104; 13:16; 17:42, 17:53; 39:11; 39:14; 39:38; 39:64; 40:66; 41:6; 72:20).