Duas

Ayatul Kursi: The Greatest Verse in the Quran

March 1, 2025

Ayatul Kursi (آية الكرسي) is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah. It is considered the greatest verse in the Quran and is recited by Muslims worldwide for protection and blessings.

The Verse

“اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ 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”

"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." (2:255)

Meaning The verse affirms Allah's oneness, His eternal life, His sovereignty over all creation, and that nothing can intercede without His permission. The "Kursi" (Throne/Footstool) symbolizes His dominion—it encompasses the heavens and earth, yet preserving them does not tire Him.

Virtues The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing prevents him from entering Paradise except death." He also said it is the greatest verse in the Quran. Many Muslims recite it for protection when leaving home, before sleep, and after each prayer.

When to Recite After every fard prayer, before sleeping, when leaving the house, and when seeking protection from evil. It is also part of the ruqyah (healing) for the sick.