Throne Verse [2:255]

The Ayat al-Qursi, or Throne Verse, is Qur’an 2:255

Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).

Tremendous virtues have been associated with Ayat Al-Qursi, for the authentic Hadith describes it as ‘the greatest Ayah in the Book of Allah.’ According to Islamic scholar Mahmoud Ayoub, this verse is “regarded by Muslims as one of the most excellent verses of the Qur’an. It has therefore played a very important role in Muslim piety.” Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) approves of a statement about its power, “Whenever you go to your bed, recite the Verse of ‘Al-Qursi’ (2.255) for then a guardian from Allah will be guarding you, and Satan will not approach you till dawn” and of another about its being the “greatest verse in the Book of Allah.” Qurtubi reports that “when the Throne Verse was revealed, every idol and king in the world fell prostrate and the crowns of kings fell off their heads,” and recounts a saying by Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) in which Allah tells Musa (AS) of the many blessings that people will receive if they recite the Throne Verse.

Al-Bukhari recorded in his Sahih from Abu Hurayrah, in the chapters on the virtues of the Qur’an and the description of Shaytan. In this narration, Abu Hurayrah said,

“Allah’s Messenger assigned me to keep watch over the Sadaqah (charity) of Ramadan. A person snuck in and started taking handfuls of foodstuff. I caught him and said, ‘By Allah, I will take you to Allah’s Messenger.’

He said, ‘Release me, for I am meek and have many dependents and am in great need.’ I released him, and in the morning Allah’s Messenger asked me, ‘What did your prisoner do yesterday, O Abu Hurayrah’

I said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! He complained of being needy and of having many dependents, so I pitied him and let him go.’ Allah’s Messenger said, ”Indeed, he told you a lie and will be coming again.” I believed that he would show up again, for Allah’s Messenger had told me that he would return.

So, I watched for him. When he (showed up and) started stealing handfuls of foodstuff, I caught hold of him again and said, ‘I will definitely take you to Allah’s Messenger.’ He said, ‘Leave me, for I am very needy and have many dependents. I promise I will not come back again.’ I pitied him and let him go.

In the morning Allah’s Messenger asked me, “What did your prisoner do last night, O Abu Hurayrah!” I replied, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! He complained of his great need and of too many dependents, so I took pity on him and set him free.’ Allah’s Messenger said, “Verily, he told you a lie; he will return.”

I waited for him attentively for the third time, and when he (came and) started stealing handfuls of the foodstuff, I caught hold of him and said, ‘I will surely take you to Allah’s Messenger as it is the third time you promised not to return, yet you returned.’

He said, ‘Let me teach you some words which Allah will give you benefit from.’

I asked, ‘What are they’

He replied, ‘Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat Al-Qursi- Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum, till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no Shaytan will come near you until morning.’ So, I released him.

In the morning, Allah’s Messenger asked, “What did your prisoner do yesterday” I replied, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will grant me some benefit, so I let him go.’

Allah’s Messenger asked, “What are they” I replied, ‘He said to me: Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat Al-Qursi from the beginning to the end, Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum. He further said to me: (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no Shaytan will come near you until morning.’ (One of the narrators) then commented that they (the Companions) were very keen to do good deeds.

The Prophet said, “He spoke the truth, although he is a liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurayrah” Abu Hurayrah said, ‘No.’ He said, “It was Shaytan.”