Ayatul Kursi (Verse of the Throne)
The greatest verse in the Holy Quran -- Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255. Read the full Arabic text with transliteration, translation, word-by-word meaning, and learn about its powerful virtues and benefits.
Ayatul Kursi (Arabic: آية الكرسي, "The Verse of the Throne") is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Holy Quran. It is universally recognized by Islamic scholars as the greatest verse in the entire Quran, a distinction confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself in an authentic hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim.
The verse eloquently describes the absolute sovereignty, omniscience, and eternal nature of Allah (SWT). It affirms that He is Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (The Self-Sustaining), that neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him, and that His dominion extends over everything in the heavens and the earth. Muslims recite Ayatul Kursi daily -- after every obligatory prayer, before sleeping, and as part of their morning and evening adhkar (remembrance).
The Greatest Verse in the Quran
"O Abu al-Mundhir, do you know which verse in the Book of Allah is the greatest?" He replied: "Allah! There is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining." The Prophet (SAW) struck his chest and said: "May knowledge be a source of joy for you, O Abu al-Mundhir!"Sahih Muslim 810 -- Narrated by Ubayy ibn Ka'b (RA)
Ayatul Kursi -- The Verse of the Throne
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 255 (2:255)
English Transliteration
Phonetic pronunciation of Ayatul Kursi in English letters
English Translation
Complete meaning of Ayatul Kursi in English
"Allah -- there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining. 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 before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255 -- Sahih International TranslationWord-by-Word Meaning
Understanding each phrase of Ayatul Kursi in depth
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Virtues and Benefits of Ayatul Kursi
Authentic hadith-based virtues of the greatest verse in the Quran
The Greatest Verse in the Quran
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) confirmed that Ayatul Kursi is the greatest verse in the entire Quran. He asked Ubayy ibn Ka'b which verse was the greatest, and when Ubayy recited Ayatul Kursi, the Prophet affirmed his answer with joy and praised him for his knowledge.
Sahih Muslim 810Protection from Evil and Jinn
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that a jinn he captured told him: "When you go to your bed, recite Ayatul Kursi, for there will remain over you a protection from Allah, and no devil will approach you until morning." The Prophet (SAW) confirmed this was true, even though the jinn was a liar in other matters.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5010Reciting After Every Salah
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing prevents him from entering Paradise except death." This means that consistent recitation after each of the five daily prayers is a path to Paradise.
An-Nasa'i, authenticated by Al-AlbaniProtection at Night Before Sleeping
When recited before going to sleep, Ayatul Kursi provides divine protection throughout the entire night. The reciter is shielded from all harm, and Shaytan cannot approach them until they wake in the morning. This is one of the most well-known Sunnah practices.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5010A Guardian Angel is Assigned
According to the hadith of Abu Hurairah (RA), when a person recites Ayatul Kursi before sleeping, Allah sends a guardian angel to protect them throughout the night. This angel stands watch so that no devil or evil can come near the reciter until dawn breaks.
Sahih al-Bukhari 2311A Path to the Gates of Paradise
The Prophet (SAW) taught that the one who recites Ayatul Kursi consistently after every prayer will have nothing between them and entering Paradise except their death. This extraordinary virtue is reserved for those who make it a daily habit with sincerity and devotion.
An-Nasa'i, Ibn HibbanWhen to Recite Ayatul Kursi
A practical guide for daily recitation based on the Sunnah
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After Every Obligatory Prayer
Recite Ayatul Kursi immediately after completing each of the five daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha). The Prophet (SAW) said nothing prevents the one who does this from entering Paradise except death.
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Before Going to Sleep
Make it a habit to recite Ayatul Kursi every night before you sleep. Allah will send a guardian angel to watch over you, and Shaytan will not be able to approach you until morning.
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Morning Adhkar (After Fajr)
Include Ayatul Kursi as part of your morning remembrance (adhkar as-sabah). Recite it after Fajr prayer along with other morning supplications to start your day with divine protection.
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Evening Adhkar (After Asr/Maghrib)
Similarly, include Ayatul Kursi in your evening remembrance (adhkar al-masa). This is part of the Sunnah practice of protecting oneself with Quranic recitation throughout the day and night.
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When Seeking Protection
Recite Ayatul Kursi when you feel anxious, afraid, or in need of Allah's protection from any harm -- including evil eye, black magic, or the whispers of Shaytan. It is among the most powerful verses for ruqyah (spiritual healing).
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When Entering or Leaving Your Home
Some scholars recommend reciting Ayatul Kursi when entering and leaving your home as an additional means of seeking barakah (blessings) and protection for yourself and your family.
Ayatul Kursi in Context
Understanding its position in Surah Al-Baqarah and its theological significance
Position in Surah Al-Baqarah
Ayatul Kursi appears as verse 255 in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), the longest surah in the Quran with 286 verses. It sits within a powerful passage about Tawhid (the Oneness of God). The verse immediately following it -- 2:256 -- contains the famous declaration "There is no compulsion in religion" (la ikraha fid-deen), and together these verses form a comprehensive statement about the nature of Allah and the freedom He grants to humanity.
The Kursi (Throne) of Allah
The word "Kursi" in Arabic literally means "chair" or "seat," but in this context it refers to the magnificent Footstool of Allah. Ibn Abbas (RA), the great companion and Quran interpreter, explained: "The Kursi is the footstool, and no one can comprehend the magnitude of the Arsh (Throne)." In another narration, he said: "The Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and the Arsh is even greater than the Kursi." This illustrates the unimaginable vastness of Allah's dominion.
Theological Significance
Ayatul Kursi is considered the most comprehensive single verse about the attributes of Allah in the entire Quran. Within a single ayah, it establishes Tawhid (God's oneness), Al-Hayy and Al-Qayyum (His eternal and self-sustaining nature), His absolute sovereignty over creation, His omniscience (all-knowing nature), the concept of intercession by His permission only, and the vastness of His Throne. Scholars note that these attributes together negate any form of weakness, limitation, or dependency in the nature of Allah, which is why it is deemed the greatest verse -- it captures the essence of who Allah is in the most profound way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ayatul Kursi (Verse of the Throne)
What is Ayatul Kursi?
Ayatul Kursi (The Verse of the Throne) is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Holy Quran. It is widely regarded as the greatest verse in the entire Quran, a distinction confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Sahih Muslim. The verse speaks about the absolute sovereignty, knowledge, and power of Allah (SWT) over all creation. It affirms that Allah is the Ever-Living (Al-Hayy), the Self-Sustaining (Al-Qayyum), that neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him, and that His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth. You can read the full verse in the Qissah Quran reader.
Where is Ayatul Kursi in the Quran?
Ayatul Kursi is located in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), which is the second and longest chapter of the Quran. It is specifically verse number 255 (2:255). Surah Al-Baqarah contains 286 verses in total, and Ayatul Kursi appears roughly in the middle of the surah. It is part of a passage that discusses the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and is followed by the famous "no compulsion in religion" verse (2:256). The surah was revealed in Madinah and is known for containing many important rulings and foundational beliefs of Islam.
What are the benefits of reading Ayatul Kursi?
The benefits of reading Ayatul Kursi are numerous according to authentic hadith: (1) It is confirmed as the greatest verse in the Quran (Sahih Muslim 810). (2) Reciting it after every obligatory prayer is a means of entering Paradise -- the Prophet (SAW) said nothing prevents such a person from Paradise except death (An-Nasa'i). (3) Reciting it before sleeping grants protection through the entire night, with Allah assigning a guardian angel (Sahih al-Bukhari 5010). (4) It provides powerful protection from evil, Shaytan, and jinn. (5) It is a core part of the morning and evening adhkar recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for daily spiritual protection.
When should you read Ayatul Kursi?
Ayatul Kursi should be recited at several key times during the day: (1) After every obligatory prayer (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha) -- the Prophet (SAW) said nothing prevents the one who recites it after each prayer from entering Paradise except death. (2) Before going to sleep -- an angel will be assigned to guard you throughout the night. (3) As part of your morning adhkar (after Fajr prayer). (4) As part of your evening adhkar (after Asr or Maghrib). (5) When seeking protection from harm, evil eye, or the whispers of Shaytan. (6) When entering or leaving your home for additional barakah and protection.
Is Ayatul Kursi the greatest verse in the Quran?
Yes, Ayatul Kursi is confirmed as the greatest verse in the Quran based on authentic hadith. In Sahih Muslim (810), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked his companion Ubayy ibn Ka'b: "O Abu al-Mundhir, do you know which verse in the Book of Allah is the greatest?" Ubayy replied by reciting Ayatul Kursi: "Allah! There is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining." The Prophet (SAW) then struck Ubayy's chest affectionately and said: "May knowledge be a source of joy for you, O Abu al-Mundhir!" -- confirming his answer was correct. Scholars explain it holds this rank because it contains the most comprehensive description of Allah's attributes in a single verse.
Can you read Ayatul Kursi for protection?
Yes, Ayatul Kursi is one of the most powerful verses for seeking protection (ruqyah) in Islam. According to Sahih al-Bukhari (5010), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) confirmed that reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleeping provides divine protection throughout the night, with Allah assigning a guardian angel. In the famous narration, Shaytan himself -- while captured by Abu Hurairah (RA) -- acknowledged its protective power, saying: "When you go to bed, recite Ayatul Kursi, for there will remain over you a protection from Allah, and no devil will approach you until morning." The Prophet confirmed this was truthful. Muslims worldwide use Ayatul Kursi as protection from evil eye, jinn, and all forms of spiritual harm, alongside other protective surahs like Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
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