Ayat al Kursi

When exploring the markets in the famous Khan al-Khalilii with Andrew last week we stumbled upon quite a find -- a silver ring bearing an inscription from the Qur’an.

Rare among Qur’anic verses (ayah) is the bestowment of a special title -- in this case verse 255 of Surat al Baqarah is known as the Ayat al Kursi, or Verse of the Throne. Many Muslims believe that anyone who recites the verse will receive the protection of God. This verse is often recited before settling into bed for the night.

See below for the Arabic text and a rough translation, as best as the English language could ever possibly accurately understand Qur’anic Arabic.

الله لا إله إلا هو الحي القيوم لا تأخذه سنة ولا نوم له ما في السماوات وما في الأرض من ذا الذي يشفع عنده إلا بإذنه يعلم ما بين أيديهم وما خلفهم ولا يحيطون بشيء من علمه إلا بما شاء وسع كرسيه السماوات والأرض ولا يؤوده حفظهما وهو العلي العظيم


Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.