Ayatul Kursi (Arabic Text)
اَللهُ لَآ اِلـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ – لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ – لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى الْأَرْضِ – مَنْ ذَا الَّذِيْ يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ – يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ – وَلَا يُحِيْطُوْنَ بِشَىْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ – وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْأَرْضَ – وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا – وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيْمُ
Transliteration:
Allaahu Laa Ilaaha Illaa Hual Haiyul Qayuum, Laa Ta-khuzuhuu Sinatun Wa Laa Nawwm, Lahuu Maa Fis Samawaati Wa Maa Fil Ard, Man Zallazii Yashfa’u ‘Indahuu Illaa Bi-iznih, Ya’lamu Maa Baina Aidiihim Wa Maa Khalfahum, Wa Laa Yuhiituuna Bishai-im Min ‘Ilmihii Illaa Bimaa Shaa, Wasi’a Kursiyyuhus Samawaati Wal Ard, Wa Laa Ya-uuduhuu Hifzuhumaa, Wa Hual ‘Aliyyul ‘Aziim.
Meaning:
“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 before them and what will be after them, and they cannot grasp anything of His knowledge except what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and protecting them does not tire Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”
Reciting Ayatul Kursi After Obligatory Prayers
Abu Umama (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after each obligatory prayer, nothing prevents them from entering Paradise except death."
(Amalul Yawmi wal Lailah, Nasa’i, Hadith 100)
This hadith emphasizes the importance of reciting Ayatul Kursi after each of the five daily prayers.
See also: Benefits of Ayatul Kursi after daily prayers.
Reciting Ayatul Kursi Before Bed
In Sahih Bukhari, an extraordinary incident involving Abu Huraira (RA) highlights the virtues of Ayatul Kursi. Abu Huraira was guarding Zakat al-Fitr dates when a thief approached multiple times. On the third encounter, the thief offered to teach Abu Huraira something beneficial in exchange for his release.
The thief said:
"When you go to bed, recite Ayatul Kursi in its entirety. A protector from Allah will be assigned to you, and no devil will approach you until morning."
When Abu Huraira shared this with the Prophet (peace be upon him), he confirmed the truth of the thief’s statement, despite his dishonesty, saying:
"He spoke the truth, even though he is a liar. Do you know who your visitor was? It was Satan."
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2311)
Read more about Ayatul Kursi before sleeping
Reciting Ayatul Kursi in the Morning and Evening
Ubai Ibn Ka’b (RA) narrated another account where a jinn revealed the protective power of Ayatul Kursi:
"Whoever recites it in the evening will be protected from us (evil) until the morning, and whoever recites it in the morning will be protected from us until the evening."
When Ubai shared this with the Prophet (peace be upon him), he confirmed:
"The evil one has spoken the truth."
(Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith 784; Mustadrak Hakim, Hadith 2064)
Virtues of Ayatul Kursi
These incidents demonstrate the profound benefits of reciting Ayatul Kursi:
- After each prayer: Ensures closeness to Paradise.
- Before bed: Grants divine protection throughout the night.
- Morning and evening: Shields from evil until the next recitation.
By reciting this blessed verse eight times a day (after five daily prayers, morning, evening, and before bed), along with understanding its meaning and significance, one can experience immense blessings and protection from Allah.
Learn more about Ayatul Kursi from kitabsunnah.com.