Ayat al-Kursi, this unparalleled gem of Surah Al-Baqarah, shines like a radiant jewel in the crown of the Holy Qur'an, holding a peerless position among the Divine verses by virtue of its comprehensiveness in articulating the unity, attributes, and authority of God. This verse, famously designated as the Master of Surah Al-Baqarah, not only stands as the pivotal axis of monotheism and the sovereign dominion of the Lord over the earthly realm but also functions as a spiritual shield, the source of strength for the believers, and a talisman for the friends of God. In this treatise, adopting theological, philosophical, and linguistic approaches, we endeavour to delve into the profound meanings of Ayat al-Kursi. By analysing the Divine Names, the tenfold structure of the verse, and its mystical and jurisprudential functions, we seek to shed illuminating light on the multifaceted dimensions of this luminous verse. This exegesis, reflecting on the context of revelation and the role of the verse in fortifying the spirits of believers after the hardships of war, elucidates its unrivalled status within the Quranic system.
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
God, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] 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.
Ayat al-Kursi, situated in Surah Al-Baqarah, has gained renown as the Master of this chapter due to its comprehensiveness in expressing the Divine attributes and the unparalleled authority of the Lord. This verse, like a steadfast pillar, manifests the axis of monotheism and Divine sovereignty within the Quranic system, and with a structured, tenfold composition, it depicts Gods intrinsic unity to His operational authority.
Within the exegetical tradition, some have confined Ayat al-Kursi solely to verse 255, while others include verses 256 and 257 as well. This divergence indicates the significant status of these verses within Surah Al-Baqarah. Nevertheless, the predominant view considers verse 255 alone as Ayat al-Kursi, although the subsequent verses complement its meanings.
Upon precise exegesis, Ayat al-Kursi divides into ten sections, each elucidating an aspect of Divine authority and attributes:
This structure, akin to an interconnected chain, commences with intrinsic monotheism and culminates in Divine grandeur, each segment serving as a step guiding the seeker towards Divine knowledge.
In mystical traditions, Ayat al-Kursi has been studied with extraordinary precision. The total number of letters, reaching 53,491, holds special importance in spiritual protection and talismanic practices. This meticulous counting underscores the elevated status of the verse in mystical and protective contexts, where each letter functions as a key to unlock spiritual knowledge and safeguard the faithful.
Ayat al-Kursi, with its tenfold structure and comprehensive portrayal of monotheism and Divine authority, shines as a radiant beacon in Surah Al-Baqarah. This verse not only constitutes the axis of
