Sura Al-Baqarah's 255th ayat, known as Ayatul Kursi, is considered the greatest verse of the Quran by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This verse highlights Allah's oneness, infinite power, knowledge, sovereignty, and majesty, reinforcing a believer's faith and bringing inner peace.
Ayatul Kursi begins with Allah's introduction: 'Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.' It emphasizes two of Allah's great attributes: 'Al-Hayy' (the Ever-Living) and 'Al-Qayyum' (the Sustainer of all creation). Unlike everything else, Allah is eternal, unchanging, and omnipotent.
The verse continues, 'Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep.' While humans experience fatigue and need rest, Allah is free from all imperfections. Everything in the heavens and earth is under His control. Nothing escapes His authority.
It further states, 'To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.' From the vastness of the seven heavens to the smallest particle on earth, everything is His. Every star, every living being, and every existent thing is His creation, under His control, and within His dominion.
The verse also mentions intercession: 'Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?' No one can intercede with Allah without His permission, highlighting that true power belongs solely to Allah. Even prophets, angels, and righteous individuals are subject to His will.
'He knows what is before them and behind them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills.' Human knowledge, no matter how vast, is but a drop in the ocean of Allah's infinite knowledge. He reveals as much as He wills, and human understanding is limited to what He discloses.
'His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not.' The vast expanse of the seven heavens and the entire earth are within the scope of His Kursi. His infinite power and might are unparalleled, and the preservation and management of the universe cause Him no fatigue.
The virtues of Ayatul Kursi are immense. Hadiths state that reciting it after every obligatory prayer ensures a path to Jannah, barring death. Another hadith mentions that reciting it before sleep appoints a guardian from Allah, protecting one from Shaytan.
Thus, the recitation of this profound ayat should be an essential part of a Muslim's daily practice.
