Ayat al-Kursi: The Verse of the Throne
Comprehensive Definition
Ayat al-Kursi (آية الكرسي), also known as the “Verse of the Throne,” is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Qur’an. It is among the most celebrated and memorized verses in Islam, known for its exceptional significance in offering protection and refuge from evil.
Etymology and Background
- Etymology: The term “Ayat” (آية) means “verse,” while “Kursi” (كرسى) translates to “throne” in Arabic. The phrase “Ayat al-Kursi” can be literally translated as “The Verse of the Throne.”
- Historical Context: Revealed in Medina shortly after the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Ayat al-Kursi emphasizes the singularity, authority, and omnipresence of Allah.
Historical Significance
- Islamic Usage: This verse has been inscribed on walls, jewelry (such as amulets), and written in talismanic texts due to its reputed protective qualities.
- Prophetic Tradition: Numerous hadiths cite the virtues of Ayat al-Kursi. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) indicated that the recitation of this verse every night would protect the reciter from Shayatin (evil beings).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Arab World: Utterly embedded in daily rituals such as morning and evening supplications. Commonly recited after each mandatory prayer.
- South Asia: Beyond recitation, the verse is commonly written and installed in homes, businesses, and even vehicles for protection.
- Indonesia & Malaysia: Often integrated into local traditions and ceremonies, with embellishments in calligraphy art serving both religious and aesthetic purposes.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms:
- Verse of the Throne
- Al-Baqarah 255
- Antonyms:
- None specific, as it is a singular and unique Qur’anic verse.
Related Terms
- Al-Baqarah (البقرة): The second and the longest surah (chapter) of the Qur’an, containing Ayat al-Kursi.
- Hadith: Reports of statements or actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which often emphasize the virtues of Ayat Al-Kursi.
- Dua (دعاء): Supplications where Ayat al-Kursi is frequently included for seeking refuge and invoking divine protection.
Exciting Facts
- Fadhilat (Virtues): Ayat al-Kursi is known for its significant spiritual virtues; it’s said that reciting it regularly engenders no hurdles but FIRMLY fortifies spiritual defense.
- Memorability: Often accompanied by elaborate tafsir (interpretations) due to the extraordinary depth it contains in a single verse.
Quotations
“The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, ‘Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer will be given a place in Paradise.’” — Sahih al-Bukhari
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- “Fortress of the Muslim” (Hisnul Muslim) by Sa‘id bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani: A small handbook covering authentic daily duas including Ayat al-Kursi.
- “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: Features translations and comprehensive tafsirs, aiding in the deeper understanding of Ayat al-Kursi within the larger Islamic context.
- Qu’ran Translations and Hadith Collections for primary sources on the significances and practices tied to Ayat al-Kursi.
### What is the meaning of "Kursi" in Arabic?
- [x] Throne
- [ ] Table
- [ ] Sword
- [ ] Lamp
> **Explanation:** The word "Kursi" (كرسي) translates to "throne" in Arabic, highlighting the authoritative nature of the verse.
### Which Surah contains Ayat al-Kursi?
- [x] Al-Baqarah
- [ ] An-Nas
- [ ] Al-Falaq
- [ ] Al-Ikhlas
> **Explanation:** Ayat al-Kursi is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Qur'an.
### Which daily prayer ritual often includes the recitation of Ayat al-Kursi?
- [x] After each obligatory prayer
- [ ] Just before sunrise
- [ ] Midday meal
- [ ] Taking an oath
> **Explanation:** Muslims often recite Ayat al-Kursi after each obligatory prayer for protection and blessings.
### In the hadith, what protection is attributed to regularly reciting Ayat al-Kursi at night?
- [x] Protection from Shayatin (evil beings)
- [ ] Wealth
- [ ] Good Health
- [ ] Dreamless sleep
> **Explanation:** The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that reciting Ayat al-Kursi each night provides protection from Shayatin.
### How is Ayat al-Kursi integrated into different cultural practices in the Islamic world?
- [x] Written in calligraphy art
- [ ] Translated into local languages
- [ ] Discarded after usage
- [ ] Excluded from prayers
> **Explanation:** Ayat al-Kursi is often written in calligraphy art and installed in homes or businesses for protection.
### Who is often attributed to have explained the virtues of Ayat al-Kursi?
- [x] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- [ ] Abu Bakr (R.A.)
- [ ] Umar (R.A.)
- [ ] Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.)
> **Explanation:** Specific virtues of Ayat al-Kursi are detailed in numerous hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
### What word best describes the significance of Ayat al-Kursi in daily Muslim life?
- [x] Protection
- [ ] Neglect
- [ ] Ornamentation
- [ ] Confusion
> **Explanation:** Protection is a central theme of Ayat al-Kursi's significance in the daily life of Muslims.
### Which previous Islamic scholars have contributed to the tafsir (interpretation) of Ayat al-Kursi?
- [x] Ibn Kathir
- [ ] Harun al-Rashid
- [ ] Imam Shafi'i
- [ ] Abu Lahab
> **Explanation:** Scholars like Ibn Kathir have contributed extensive interpretations (tafsir) for understanding the depths of Ayat al-Kursi.
Study and reflect on Ayat al-Kursi, nurture your knowledge, and strength will follow wherever you head.
Fatimah Al-Jahari 2023-10-03
