Ayatul Kursi SS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Ayatul Kursi is a very special verse in the Holy Quran. The name “Ayatul Kursi” means “The Verse of the Throne” in English. It is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah (the second chapter of the Quran). This verse is about Allah’s greatness and power. Many Muslims memorize this verse and recite it daily.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Ayatul Kursi is the greatest verse in the Quran. He told us that if we recite it after each prayer and before sleeping, Allah will protect us.

The Text and Translation of Ayatul Kursi

Here is Ayatul Kursi in Arabic:

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

Here is the simple English meaning:

“Allah! There is no god but He – the Living, the Self-Sustaining. Neither sleep nor slumber overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not grasp any of His knowledge except what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation does not tire Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”

Understanding Ayatul Kursi Step by Step

Let’s break down this verse to understand its deep meaning:

1. “Allah! There is no god but He”

This is the most important belief in Islam – that there is only one God, Allah. This statement is called “Tawhid” (oneness of God). It reminds us that only Allah deserves to be worshipped.

2. “The Living, the Self-Sustaining”

Allah is described as “Al-Hayy” (the Living) and “Al-Qayyum” (the Self-Sustaining). This means:

– Allah is alive and will never die

– Allah does not need anyone or anything, but everything needs Him

– Allah takes care of everything in the universe

3. “Neither sleep nor slumber overtakes Him”

Unlike humans and all other creatures, Allah never gets tired or sleepy. He is always alert and aware of everything happening in the universe. This shows how different Allah is from His creation.

4. “To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth”

Allah owns everything in the universe. The stars, planets, mountains, oceans, animals, and humans – everything belongs to Allah. This reminds us that whatever we have is actually a gift from Allah.

5. “Who can intercede with Him except by His permission?”

Intercession means speaking on behalf of someone else. This part of the verse tells us that no one can speak before Allah or ask Him to forgive someone without His permission. This shows Allah’s complete authority and control.

6. “He knows what is before them and what is behind them”

Allah knows everything about His creation:

– What happened in the past

– What is happening now

– What will happen in the future

– What people did openly

– What people did secretly

– What people are thinking in their hearts

Allah’s knowledge is complete and perfect.

7. “And they do not grasp any of His knowledge except what He wills”

This means that humans can only know what Allah allows them to know. Our knowledge is limited, while Allah’s knowledge is unlimited. All the discoveries that scientists make are only possible because Allah allows us to learn these things.

8. “His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth”

The Kursi (Throne) of Allah is so vast that it covers the entire universe. This shows Allah’s greatness and power. Scholars say that the Throne is the greatest creation of Allah and is above the seven heavens.

9. “And their preservation does not tire Him”

Taking care of the entire universe – every star, planet, creature, and atom – does not make Allah tired at all. This is very different from humans who get tired even from small tasks.

10. “And He is the Most High, the Most Great”

The verse ends by describing Allah as:

– “Al-Aliyy” (the Most High): Allah is above everything in status and power

– “Al-Azeem” (the Most Great): Allah is greater than anything we can imagine

The Virtues and Benefits of Ayatul Kursi

Ayatul Kursi has many special virtues:

1. Greatest Verse in the Quran

Ubayy ibn Ka’b (a companion of the Prophet) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked him which verse in the Quran was the greatest. When Ubayy mentioned Ayatul Kursi, the Prophet patted him on the chest and said, “Congratulations for your knowledge, O Abu Mundhir.”

2. Protection from Shaytan (Satan)

Abu Hurairah (another companion) reported that the Prophet said, “When you go to bed, recite Ayatul Kursi. You will have a guardian from Allah, and Shaytan will not come near you until morning.”

3. Protection for Home and Family

It is recommended to recite Ayatul Kursi before leaving home and upon entering home. This brings Allah’s protection to the home and family.

4. Blessing for the Day

Reciting Ayatul Kursi after each of the five daily prayers brings blessings and protection throughout the day.

5. Help in Difficult Times

Many Muslims recite Ayatul Kursi when facing difficulties or feeling scared. It brings comfort and reminds us of Allah’s power and protection.

When to Recite Ayatul Kursi

Muslims are encouraged to recite Ayatul Kursi at these times:

1. After each obligatory prayer: The Prophet recommended reciting it after the five daily prayers.

2. Before sleeping: Reciting it before sleep provides protection throughout the night.

3. In the morning and evening: As part of the morning and evening remembrances (adhkar).

4. When leaving or entering home: For protection of the home and family.

5. During times of fear or difficulty: For comfort and seeking Allah’s help.

6. After reciting Surah Al-Fatihah: Some scholars recommend reciting Ayatul Kursi after Surah Al-Fatihah when making dua (supplication).

Stories About Ayatul Kursi

The Story of Abu Hurairah

Abu Hurairah was appointed by the Prophet Muhammad to guard the charity food during Ramadan. For three nights, he caught someone trying to steal the food. Each time, the thief promised not to return if Abu Hurairah let him go. On the third night, the thief said, “If you want protection from Shaytan, recite Ayatul Kursi before sleeping.” 

When Abu Hurairah told this to the Prophet, he said, “He told you the truth, although he is a liar. That was Shaytan himself.”

Modern Experiences

Many Muslims today share experiences of feeling peace and protection after reciting Ayatul Kursi. Some people report feeling less anxious or afraid when they make it a habit to recite this verse regularly.

The Deeper Meanings of Ayatul Kursi

1. Allah’s Attributes

Ayatul Kursi teaches us about Allah’s beautiful names and attributes:

– Al-Hayy (The Living)

– Al-Qayyum (The Self-Sustaining)

– Al-Alim (The All-Knowing)

– Al-Azeem (The Most Great)

– Al-Aliyy (The Most High)

– Al-Hafiz (The Protector)

Understanding these attributes helps us know Allah better and strengthens our faith.

2. The Relationship Between Allah and Creation

Ayatul Kursi shows the relationship between Allah and His creation:

– Allah is the Creator and Owner

– Creation belongs to Allah

– Allah knows everything about His creation

– Allah protects and preserves His creation

– Creation cannot function without Allah’s support

3. The Limits of Human Knowledge

This verse reminds us that our knowledge is very limited compared to Allah’s knowledge. It teaches us to be humble about what we know and to keep learning.

How to Make Ayatul Kursi Part of Your Life

1. Memorize It

Take time to memorize Ayatul Kursi. You can start by learning one part at a time. Practice reciting it regularly until you know it by heart.

2. Understand Its Meaning

Don’t just recite Ayatul Kursi without understanding it. Learn what each part means so that you can think about its message when you recite it.

3. Recite It Daily

Make reciting Ayatul Kursi a daily habit. Good times to recite it are:

– After each prayer

– Before sleeping

– In the morning after waking up

– When leaving home

– When entering home

4. Teach It to Others

Share the importance of Ayatul Kursi with family and friends. Help your children memorize it and understand its meaning.

5. Reflect on Its Message

Take time to think about what Ayatul Kursi teaches us about Allah. Use it as a way to remember Allah’s greatness throughout your day.

Ayatul Kursi is a powerful verse that reminds us of Allah’s greatness, knowledge, and protection. By understanding and reciting this verse regularly, we can strengthen our faith, feel closer to Allah, and receive His protection. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted its importance, and Muslims throughout history have experienced its benefits.

Making Ayatul Kursi part of our daily life helps us remember that Allah is always watching over us, knows everything about us, and is ready to help and protect us. This remembrance brings peace to our hearts and guides us to live according to Allah’s will.