Ayatul Kursi is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Holy Quran. It is considered one of the most important and powerful verses of the Quran. Here is its English translation along with an explanation:
"Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of 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."
Explanation:
1. "Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence": This part emphasizes the oneness of Allah and His eternal existence as the sustainer and maintainer of all creation. It asserts the belief in monotheism and the absolute supremacy of Allah.
2. "Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep": Allah does not experience fatigue or sleep. He is constantly vigilant and aware of everything that happens in the universe.
3. "To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth": Allah is the owner and creator of all that exists in the universe. Everything ultimately belongs to Him, and He has control over all affairs.
4. "Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?": No one has the authority to intercede or mediate with Allah without His permission. He alone has the power to grant intercession and forgiveness.
5. "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": Allah possesses complete and perfect knowledge of the past, present, and future. The limitation of human knowledge is highlighted here, as we can only know what Allah permits us to know.
6. "His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not": Kursi refers to the footstool or chair of Allah, which symbolizes His sovereignty and authority over the entire universe. His dominion encompasses both the heavens and the earth, and He sustains them effortlessly.
7. "And He is the Most High, the Most Great": This part emphasizes the incomparable greatness and supremacy of Allah. He is the highest in rank, and there is none greater or more powerful than Him.
Ayatul Kursi is regarded as a powerful verse with numerous blessings and virtues. It is recommended to recite it daily for protection, blessings, and seeking Allah's mercy.