Ramadan
20
10
26
T
he Throne Verse, or Ayatul Kursi, is
the 255th verse (ayah) of the second
chapter (sura) Al-Baqara. It is one
of the most famous verses of the Qur'an
and is widely memorized and displayed in
the Islamic world due to its emphatic de-
scription of God's qualities and power.
While not all verses in the Qur'an carry
a specific name, this one was given the
name 'Ayat Al-Kursi' (literally, "The Verse
of the Chair" or "Throne") to emphasize its
importance due to its mention of God's
dominion over the world as symbolized by
a "throne" (kurs). Religious belief holds
that anyone who recites the verse enters
the protection and security of God. Com-
monly, it is recited by Muslims before they
go to sleep.
Imam Muslim writes that Ubayy bin
Ka‘b narrated that one day, the Prophet
asked "O Ubayy! What is the most excel-
lent verse of the Qur'an?" Ubayy replied,
“Allah and His Messenger know best." The
Prophet (Allah bless him and give him
peace) said, “In your opinion, what is the
most excellent verse of the Qur'an?” Ubayy
bin Ka‘b replied, “Allah – There is no God
but He”(i.e. Ayat al-Kursi). The Prophet
(Allah bless him and give him peace)
placed his hand on his chest and said, "O
Ubayy bin Ka‘b! May your knowledge be
pleasant for you.” (From Sahih Muslim)
Hasan ibn Ali narrates that the Prophet
stated: "He who recites Ayatul Kursi after
obligatory salat, is in the protection of
Allah til the next salat."
T h e T h r o n e V e r s e
•
A l - B a q a r a 2 5 5
English Translation
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Allah! There is no deity except He, the Ever Living,
the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.
Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him
belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever
is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with
Him except with His Permission? He knows what
happens to them (His creatures) in this world,
and what will happen to them in the Hereafter .
And they will never compass anything of His
Knowledge except that which He wills. His throne
extends over the heavens and the earth, and He
feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them.
And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
Ayatul Kursi
