What’s the greatest verse in the Qur’an?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once asked Ubayy ibn Ka‘b رضي الله عنه this question. Ubayy رضي الله عنه was known for his deep knowledge of Qur’anic recitation. The Prophet ﷺ said to him:
“O Abu Mundhir, do you know which verse in the Book of Allah with you is greatest?”
Ubayy رضي الله عنه replied with a verse describing Allah’s perfect Life, Power and Knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ struck his chest and told him to rejoice in the knowledge he had been given. That moment revealed the verse that holds a rank above all others.
And Abu Mundhir’s answer was:
Ayatul-Kursi
Why Ayatul-Kursi is the Greatest Verse in the Qur’an
The greatness of any verse lies in the greatness of what it speaks about. Every verse in the Book of Allah carries a virtue beyond anything created beings can produce. Some verses are long, like the Verse of Debt (Ayat ad-Dayn, Qur’an 2:282), yet their subject revolves around human dealings and transactions.
Ayat al-Kursi stands apart because its subject is entirely different. It focuses on the ذات (Dhat), Essence and صفات (Sifat), Attributes of Allah.
It is the most comprehensive and dense summary of توحيد (Tawheed), Oneness, in a single verse. This greatness also shows the belief of Ahlus Sunnah that the Quran is the uncreated Speech of Allah.
Sufyan ibn Uyaynah narrated, in the explanation of the hadith of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه, that he said:
مَا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ مِنْ سَمَاءٍ وَلاَ أَرْضٍ أَعْظَمَ مِنْ آيَةِ الْكُرْسِيِّ
“Allah has not created anything in the heavens or the earth greater than Ayat al-Kursi.”
Sufyan said:
لأَنَّ آيَةَ الْكُرْسِيِّ هُوَ كَلاَمُ اللَّهِ وَكَلاَمُ اللَّهِ أَعْظَمُ مِنْ خَلْقِ اللَّهِ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ
“This is because Ayat al-Kursi is the speech of Allah, and the speech of Allah is greater than the creation of Allah, including the heavens and the earth.” [Jami' at-tirmidhi 2884]
Imam al-Sa'di states: "This verse by itself is a complete creed in the Names and Attributes of Allah."
Ayatul Kursi in Arabic
- The verse appears in Surah al-Baqarah (2:255):
ٱللَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ
Some people mistakenly believe that Ayatul Kursi includes verses 256 and 257 as well, continuing to "...they will abide therein eternally." This view exists in some Shi'a scholarly opinions. But the Ahlus-Sunnah position is clear: Ayatul Kursi is only verse 255. All the authentic hadith defining its virtues refer specifically to verse 255 alone.
Ayatul Kursi Transliteration
Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa-l-Hayyul-Qayyum, la ta'khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm, lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-ard, man dhal-ladhi yashfa'u 'indahu illa bi-idhnih, ya'lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum, wa la yuhituna bi-shay'im-min 'ilmihi illa bi-ma sha', wasi'a Kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-ard, wa la ya'uduhu hifdhuhuma, wa Huwal-'Aliyyul-'Adheem.
Ayatul Kursi Meaning in English
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of 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 encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
The Structure and Composition of Ayatul Kursi
Ayatul Kursi is arranged with a clear structure. Its opening and ending mirror each other, beginning with Allah’s perfect life and sustaining power and closing with His Highness and Greatness. Each pair of statements reflects a theme.
Allah’s awareness never fades, and nothing tires Him. His authority covers everything in the heavens and the earth, and His Kursi shows the vastness of His control.
The creation cannot intercede or know anything unless He permits it.
At the centre lies the core message: Allah’s knowledge surrounds every moment, past and future. The whole verse builds an understanding of who Allah is, and how His power, knowledge and mercy connect in perfect harmony.
Ayatul Kursi as the Foundation of Islamic Creed
Ayatul Kursi is one of the strongest proofs used in العقيدة (Aqeedah) - Islamic creed.
Many classical works, including Ibn Taymiyyah’s al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah, begin their discussion of Allah’s Names and Attributes with this verse.
Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih al-'Uthaymeen notes that Ayatul Kursi contains five of Allah’s Names and twenty-six of His attributes, which makes it a summary of how Ahlus Sunnah understand al-Asma’ wa as-Sifat.
The verse affirms every attribute of perfection, like Al-Hayy, and denies every form of deficiency, like sleep or weakness.
The creed of Ahlus Sunnah is simple:
To affirm what Allah affirmed about Himself, without asking how, without comparing Him to His creation, and without changing the meanings of His words.
Virtues of Ayatul Kursi
Protection From Shaytan at Night
Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates one of the most famous hadith about Ayatul Kursi. Messenger of Allah ﷺ appointed him to guard the Zakat of Ramadan. A man came and began taking food. Abu Hurayrah caught him and said, “I will take you to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.” The man said, “I am needy, I have dependents, and I am in great hardship,” so Abu Hurayrah felt pity for him and let him go.
In the morning, the Prophet ﷺ said, “O Abu Hurayrah, what happened with your visitor last night?” Abu Hurayrah replied with what occurred. The Prophet ﷺ said, “He lied to you, and he will return.”
The man returned the next night, and the same thing happened. The Prophet ﷺ again said, “He lied to you, and he will return.”
On the third night, Abu Hurayrah caught him again. The man said, “Shall I not teach you something by which Allah will benefit you?” Abu Hurayrah asked, “What is it?”
The man said:
“When you go to your bed, recite Ayatul Kursi from its beginning to its end. A guardian from Allah will stay with you, and no shaytan will come near you until morning.”
When Abu Hurayrah told the Prophet ﷺ what the man said, the Prophet ﷺ replied:
“He told you the truth, though he is a liar. That was a Shaytan.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2311]
The Key to Paradise After Every Prayer
Abu Umamah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi at the end of every obligatory prayer, nothing but death will prevent him from entering Paradise."
[Hidayat ar-Ruwah 934]
When to Recite Ayatul Kursi?
The Sunnah gives us specific times when reciting this verse carries special benefit.
After Every Obligatory Prayer
This is one of the most rewarding times. Make it part of your daily routine after Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. The hadith promises that this practice is a means to Paradise. Recite it as part of your adhkar (remembrances) immediately after the taslim (closing salutation). [Sunan an Nasai al Kubra 9848]
Before Sleeping
Recite it as part of your bedtime routine for protection through the night. The Prophet ﷺ specifically taught this practice through the hadith of Abu Hurayrah. Lie down on your right side, place your right hand under your cheek, and recite Ayatul Kursi for protection until morning. [Sahih al-Bukhari 2311]
At Any Time
You can recite Ayatul Kursi at any time. There is no restriction. Let it become familiar to you through repetition.
Memorising Ayatul Kursi
If you have not memorised Ayatul Kursi yet, make it a priority. It is one of the most important passages to commit to memory.
Break it into smaller sections. Memorise one or two phrases at a time. Repeat each section until it becomes natural. Then connect the sections together.
Recite it in your daily prayers. Repeat it in your Qiyam al-layl (night prayer). The more you recite it, the deeper it settles in your heart.
Teach it to your children. Explain its meanings to them in simple language. Make it part of your family's religious life.
Weak and Fabricated Reports to Avoid
An essential part of Islamic knowledge is to identify and discard inauthentic virtues that have become popular but lack a basis in authentic hadith.
Be very careful about claims you see shared on social media or hear from well-meaning people. Many fabricated virtues circulate widely.
Examples of Weak or Fabricated Narrations
- "Recite 40 times every day at sunset, a person will get the reward of 40 Hajj." [Refuted in: Ibn Hajar Lisan al Mizaan 1/9; Al Dhahabi Mizan al Itidal 2/232; Rashid Rida Al Manar 27/741]
- "Recite every time after doing ablution (Wudu), this will raise a person 40 times in rank." [Refuted in: An Nasa’i Ad Dhu’afa p.494; Al Dhahabi Mizan 4/173; Al Shawkani p.47-48; Al Albani Da’ifah 134; Ibn Hajar La’ali 1/43]
- "Recite at the time of leaving the house because 70,000 angels protect a person." [Refuted in: Al Albani Da’if al Jami’ 5788; Mishkat 2398; Ibn Uthaymeen Sharh Riyadh 6/103; Traced to Nuzhat al Majalis]
- "Recite every time after returning home because it keeps away poverty." [Refuted in: Al Sakhawi p.195; Ibn Hajar al Haytami p.128; no isnad for the Ayatul Kursi version]
- Elaborate stories about Musa (peace be upon him) and the rewards of Ayatul Kursi. [Refuted in: Ibn Kathir 1/309; Ibn al Jawzi Mawdu’at 1/242; Al Suyuti La’ali 1/33]
Why This Matters
The authentic virtues are sufficient. They do not require supplementation with weak or fabricated reports. When you share false information, even with good intentions, you spread misinformation about the religion.
Stick to what the Prophet ﷺ taught. The authentic hadith about protection at night, entry into Paradise after each prayer, and morning and evening protection are more than enough.
The Impact of Living With Ayatul Kursi
This verse is not just something to memorise and recite mechanically. It is a lens through which to see the world. It reshapes how you think about Allah, yourself, and everything around you.
When You Feel Alone
Remember: Allah is Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum. He never sleeps. He is always aware of you. No matter what time of night you wake in distress, He is watching over you. You are never truly alone.
When You Feel Overwhelmed
Remember: "Their preservation tires Him not." If maintaining the entire universe does not burden Allah, then helping you with your problems is not difficult for Him. Nothing in your life is too complicated for Allah to handle.
When You Feel Powerless
Remember: "To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth." Everything is under His authority. When you make dua, you are asking the Owner and Controller of all things. He has the power to change your situation instantly.
When You Worry About the Future
Remember: "He knows what is before them and what is behind them." Allah knows your future completely. He knows what you need before you need it. He knows the outcome of every situation. Trust His wisdom in what He decrees.
When You Feel Insignificant
Remember: The Kursi encompasses the entire universe, yet it is only a footstool compared to the Arsh. All of creation is tiny before Allah's Greatness. Yet despite His infinite Greatness, He listens to your prayers. He cares about your affairs. This is mercy beyond comprehension.
Common Questions About Ayatul Kursi
Can I Recite It During Menstruation?
Yes, according to the stronger opinion of scholars. While menstruating women should not touch the Mushaf (physical Qur'an) without a barrier and should not recite lengthy passages, there is a difference of opinion about short verses for dhikr and protection. Many scholars permit the recitation of Ayatul Kursi, Bismillah, and similar short passages for remembrance and protection during menstruation. If you have doubts, you can read it from memory without holding the Mushaf, or you can read the translation and contemplate its meanings. [Majmu Fatwa Ibn Baz 6/458]
Can I Recite It for Someone Else?
Yes. You can recite it and ask Allah to protect your family members, especially your children. Many parents recite it over their sleeping children for protection. This is a good practice based on the general concept of seeking Allah's protection for those you love. [Sunan Abu Dawud 3886]
Should I Recite It a Specific Number of Times?
The authentic Sunnah is to recite it once after each prayer, once before sleeping, and once in the morning and evening adhkar. There is no authentic basis for reciting it three times, seven times, or forty times. Stick to what is established in the Sunnah.
Conclusion: A Verse to Carry Through Life
Ayatul Kursi is the greatest verse in the Qur'an. It describes Allah with perfect precision. It demolishes shirk and affirms Tawheed. It provides protection from Shaytan. It is a means to Paradise. It is a foundation of the Islamic creed.
Make it your companion. Recite it after every prayer. Recite it before sleep. Recite it in the morning and evening. Teach it to your family. Reflect on its meanings throughout your life.
Let this single verse shape how you see Allah, yourself, and the world around you.
May Allah grant us a proper understanding of His Book. May He allow us to benefit from the blessings and protection of Ayatul Kursi in this life and the next. May He make us among those who know Him as He deserves to be known, who worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped, and who remember Him with the remembrance He loves.
And all praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds.
