Ayatul Kursi – The Verse of the Throne in Romanized English:
“Allahu la ilaha illa huwa al-hayyu al-qayyumu la ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm, lahu ma fi al-samawati wa ma fi al-ard, man thallathi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-ithnihi ya’lamu ma bayna aydeehim wa ma khalfahum wa la yuhiytuna bishay’in min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a wasi’a kursiyyuhu al-samawati wal-ard wa la ya’uduhu hifzuhuma wahuwa al-‘aliyyu al-azhim.”
The Explanation of Ayatul Kursi:
Ayatul Kursi is one of the most successful and strong verses in the Quran, which exists in Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter 2, Verse 255. It enjoys a distinct status amongst Muslims because of its deep message and spiritual connotation. Now, let’s seek the explanation of Ayatul Kursi with its meaning and significance in Roman English.
- Absolute Monotheism:
It starts with the utterance of what is apparently the very basic foundation of Islamic monotheism, that “Allahu la ilaha illa huwa” in Arabic translates to “Allah! There is no deity except Him”. This affirms belief in the oneness of Allah-the one true God and Creator of the universe.
- Divine Attributes:
Ayatul Kursi describes Allah with two important attributes: “al-hayyu”-“the Ever-Living” and “al-qayyumu”- “the Sustainer of existence.” These attributes outline the eternal nature of Allah and how He is the sustainer of whatever exists. Unlike humankind, which dies, Allah is ever-living and gives life and sustenance to His creation.
- Divine Vigilance:
It ascertains that Allah is ever watchful and that neither “sinatun” nor “nawm” overcomes Him, which means an attribute indicating His unbroken consciousness and vigilance upon His creation. While human beings sleep for rest, Allah is awake all the time, attending to everything that goes on in the universe.
- Divine Ownership:
Ayatul Kursi further confirms that all whatever is in the heavens and on the earth is for Allah Himself, as stated, “lahu ma fi al-samawati wa ma fi al-ard.” This statement of possession blames His kingship over every level of creation, from high to low. Anything does not exist outside of His constraint and power.
- Intercession by Allah:
The verse now comes with a rhetorical question, “man thallathi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-ithnihi?” – “Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” This rhetorical question upholds the utmost authority of Allah and the decision-making capacity of Allah. Intercession could only be allowed by Allah Himself, representing His role as the ultimate judge and arbiter of all matters in Islam.
- Enormous Knowledge:
Ayatul Kursi brings out the all-inclusive knowledge of Allah. He not only knows what is going on at present, but is equally aware of what took place in the past and what will be happening in the future. His knowledge is complete; upon this perfect knowledge, He bases His decisions and judgments.
- All Encompassing Dominion:
The verse describes Allah’s “kursiyyuhu”-that is, “Throne”-stretching over the heavens and the earth. In this case, the imagery represents His dominion and rulership over the universe, whole and complete. He is the absolute sovereign, unrestricted by anything whatsoever.
- Unlimited Preservation:
It is said that the security of heavens and earth Wearies not Allah. He is easily maintaining and sustaining His creation. That again reiterates the concept that the power of Allah is infinite and His strength to protect and care for His creation is untouched by weariness.
- The Supreme, The Most High:
This verse closes with Allah being attributed as “al-‘aliyyu”- “the Most High” and “al-azhim”- “the Most Great, implying alluded reminders of His transcendence and unmatched greatness, high above everything else.
Overview and Application:
Ayatul Kursi is a verse of great spiritual significance to the Muslims and is hence very frequently recited for protection and guidance. This reminds one of Allah’s absolute sovereignty, knowledge, and authority. Believers derive a sense of comfort and strength in its recitation as a reminder that Allah is ever-living, the Sustainer of existence, and His knowledge and power are limitless.
In short, Ayatul Kursi is a verse of great depth in the Quran and encompasses some of the most fundamental concepts in Islamic theology. It underscores the oneness of Allah, His divine attributes, His authority, and His perfect knowledge and vigilance. It is a verse of spiritual comfort and a reminder of the greatness of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
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