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Ayatul Kursi

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آيَةُ الكُرْسِيِّ
Ayatu’l-Kursī · aa-ya-tu’l kur-see

Ayatul Kursi is an Arabic phrase meaning the Verse of the Throne, a powerful Quranic verse describing God's sovereignty and knowledge. It is recited for protection and blessings. Muslims often recite Ayatul Kursi after prayers for spiritual safety.

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Alternative Spelling:
Ayatul Kursi / Ayat al-Kursi / Ayat al-Kursi / Ayatul Kursi / Ayat ul Kursi

What is Ayatul Kursi?

  • Ayatul Kursi refers to verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Qur’an. The term itself combines the Arabic words āyah (meaning “verse” or “sign”) and kursi (meaning “throne”), thus translating to “The Verse of the Throne.” This verse is renowned for its profound description of Allah’s sovereignty, knowledge, and authority over the heavens and the earth.
  • The theological significance of Ayatul Kursi is immense in Islamic belief. It is considered one of the most powerful verses in the Qur’an, encapsulating the concept of tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and His absolute dominion. The verse emphasizes that Allah neither tires nor sleeps, highlighting His eternal vigilance and unmatched power, which forms a cornerstone of Islamic monotheism.
  • Ayatul Kursi’s usage and context have been extensively discussed by Islamic scholars throughout history. According to narrations from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reciting this verse offers spiritual protection and blessings. Scholars have interpreted its placement within Surah Al-Baqarah as a central affirmation of faith, and it is often memorized and recited by Muslims worldwide for its deep meaning and spiritual merit.
  • The spiritual meaning of Ayatul Kursi lies in its affirmation of Allah’s unique attributes, such as His infinite knowledge and authority. The verse provides comfort and reassurance to believers, reminding them that Allah is always in control and aware of all things. Its recitation is believed to bring peace, tranquility, and a sense of security to the heart of the reciter.
  • In practical application, Ayatul Kursi is frequently recited by Muslims in daily life for protection and blessings. It is commonly recited after obligatory prayers, before sleeping, and when seeking safety from harm.

Examples of Ayatul Kursi

  • Before Sleeping: "Many Muslims recite Ayatul Kursi before going to bed for protection throughout the night."
  • After Obligatory Prayers: "It is a common practice to recite Ayatul Kursi after completing each of the five daily prayers."
  • Seeking Protection: "When feeling afraid or seeking Allah’s protection, Muslims often recite Ayatul Kursi."
  • Traveling: "Some people recite Ayatul Kursi before starting a journey for safety and blessings."
  • Following the Sunnah: "Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged the recitation of Ayatul Kursi for its immense virtues and protection."

References in Qur'an & Hadith

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "When you go to bed, recite Ayatul Kursi ('Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence'...) for there will remain over you a protection from Allah, and no devil will approach you until morning."

Sahih Bukhari 2311 (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing stands between him and his entering Paradise except death."

Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsaṭ lil-Ṭabarānī 8068 (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "In Surah Al-Baqarah, there is a verse which is the best of all the verses of the Qur'an. It is Ayatul Kursi."

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2878 (Sunnah.com)

FAQs for Ayatul Kursi

What does Ayatul Kursi mean in English?

Ayatul Kursi means The Verse of the Throne.

When should Muslims recite Ayatul Kursi?

Muslims should recite Ayatul Kursi after each obligatory prayer, before sleeping, and for protection throughout the day.

Where is Ayatul Kursi found in the Quran?

Ayatul Kursi is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 255 of the Quran.

What are the benefits of reciting Ayatul Kursi?

Reciting Ayatul Kursi brings spiritual protection, blessings, and increased closeness to Allah as taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Why is Ayatul Kursi considered important in Islam?

Ayatul Kursi is considered important because it describes Allah’s supreme power, knowledge, and authority over the heavens and the earth.

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Question 1 of 5Which of the following is a requirement for Ghusl to be valid?

Starting with Bismillah
Doing a complete wudu
Setting intention to do ghusl
Rinsing the nose
Wash the entire body 3x

Question 2 of 5Ahmed is from the UK and is visiting his family in Palestine for 3 weeks. How should he pray?

Shorten and combine prayers for the duration of the visit
Pray normally (not shorten or combine)
Shorten prayers up until 15 days then pray normally
Only shorten prayers during the journey. Pray normally upon arrival in Palestine.

Question 3 of 5What is the minimum distance a person must intend to travel to make them a traveller?

42 miles from their residence
42 miles outside their city boundary
48 miles from their residence
48 miles outside of their city boundary

Question 4 of 5You are a traveller according to Hanafi fiqh and are feeling energetic, how should you pray?

Pray the full four rakats
Shorten prayers to 2 rakats
Shorten prayers to 2 rakats and combine in one prayer time
Pray the full four rakats and sunnah prayers

Question 5 of 5You're praying salah at an airport and you lay your jacket with your wallet beside you. Your wallet only has £5 inside and you see someone taking your wallet. Can you break your salah to stop them?

Yes
No
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