The Ayat al-Kursi, as one of the most eminent verses of the Holy Quran, holds an unparalleled position within Surah Al-Baqarah and is renowned as the Verse of Power due to its comprehensive depiction of the Divine Essence, Attributes, and Omnipotence. This verse, with a coherent structure and profound content, constitutes the doctrinal and epistemological core of Surah Al-Baqarah, serving as a luminous jewel that manifests the Oneness, Sovereignty, and Perfections of God. The present analysis, employing a scientific and systematic approach, elucidates the teachings embedded in this verse and expounds all its dimensions with a lofty and academic language tailored for specialised audiences and scholars of religious studies.
Ayat al-Kursi, located in verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, is recognised as the master verse of this chapter. By presenting a comprehensive portrayal of Tawhid (Divine Unity) and Divine Sovereignty, this verse plays a pivotal role in clarifying the doctrinal foundations of Islam. The epithet Verse of Power is rightly attributed to it due to its emphasis on absolute ownership, boundless knowledge, and flawless Divine preservation. This verse acts as a gateway to Divine cognition, inviting humanity to reflect upon the Essence and Attributes of the Lord.
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 (البقرة: 255)
Godthere is no deity except Himthe Ever-Living, the Sustainer. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. 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 is behind 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 preserving them does not tire Him. He is the Most High, the Most Great.
Ayat al-Kursi comprises seven intrinsic Divine Names, each referring to an aspect of the boundless Divine Essence. These names are: Allah, l ilha ill huwa, huwa, al-ayy, al-qayym, al-alyy, and al-am. Positioned at the beginning and end of the verse, these names function as sturdy pillars displaying the comprehensiveness of the Divine Essence.
These names, like light radiating from a single source, reveal the unity and coherence of the Divine Essence across various degrees of determination.
Ayat al-Kursi contains eight expressions of power that refer to the practical and sovereign attributes of God. These expressions, akin to the branches of a mighty tree, delineate the diverse facets of Divine power:
