The Explanation of Aayatul Kursi

[FIRST]: Allaah’s Saying:

Allaah, none has the right to be worshipped but He,

The Ever-living, the One Who is established on His Own, Self-subsisting, by Whom all things subsist.

This aayah is the greatest aayah (verse) in the Book of Allaah just as was ascertained in the response of Ubayy bin Ka’b (Abul-Munthirt) to the Prophet’s (r) question when he asked him: “Which aayah in the Book of Allaah is the greatest? He (Ubayy) replied: “Aayatul-kursi.” Thereupon he (r) struck him on his breast and said: “May knowledge give you joy, O Abal-Munthir!”[1][24]

That is why whoever recites it at night [before going to bed], Allaah will appoint a guard for him and stay with him to protect him all night long, and no shaytaan will come near him till morning.[2][25]
This aayah comprises ten sentences, each of which has a very great meaning. [In the beginning] Allaah U says:

“Allaah”

The word Allaah is the title particular to the Most High thaat (Essence), meaning the name particular to Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, Himself.[3][26] This title applies to none other than Allaah, whether in times of jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic era) or times of Islaam. For Allaah is Rabbul-aalameen (The Rabb of all creation),[4][27] the Mighty and Majestic.
In the construct of the sentence, the term Allaah is mahatul-khabar (the subject) of the rest of the sentence that follows or mahatul-isnaad (the term upon which the rest of the sentence is based). This word, the Majestic term (الله), is the subject (gram.) and what comes after [from the attributes to the subject] is either the predicate (gram.) or its explicative apposition.

The First Hukm (judjment regarding a thing in relation to an attribute to its subject) in: Allaah, laa ilaaha illaa huwa, is laa ilaaha illa huwa.

Ilaah means ma’looh, one who is worshipped out of love and magnification. None deserves this attribute except Allaah, the One free of all imperfections and the Most High. All of the aaliha[5][28] (gods) besides Allaah which are worshipped on earth or in the heavens, like the angels, do not deserve to be worshipped. They are called aaliha but they do not deserve the right which Allaah, Rabbul-‘aalameen, deserves.[6][29] [He said]:

O Mankind! Single out your Rabb [Allaah] with all worship; He Who created you and all those before you so that you may be of those attain Taqwaa;[7][30] He Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water [rain] from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allaah [in worship] while you know [that He has no rival, and that He alone has the right to be worshipped].[8][31] [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Baqarah, 2:21-22].

The Word ilaah “that which is worshipped (ma’bood),” is a noun of [laa]. In this construct, laa is the negative which negates jins.[9][32]Here, it denotes the general and absolute negation of all sorts that fall under one kind. Itself being a text of generalization, then laa ilaaha is a pure, clear, and comprehensive negation of all sorts [of false gods].

And His I saying: which means “Except Him,” [grammatically] is a badal (substitute) for the omitted predict of which is a word understood in meaning but not stated in words, and which is necessary to complete the meaning; this word is haqq (truly and rightfully). Accordingly, the meaning by implication is:

[laa ilaah illaa huwa: None has the right to be worshipped (laa ilaaha haqq) except Allaah (illallaah)].[10][33]
This great sentence: allaahu laa ilaaha illa huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah), signifies the emphatic and absolute negation of true divinity except to Allaah alone.

Regarding Allaah’s Saying:
The Ever living, al-Qayyoum

These are two of Allaah’s names which comprise the perfection of Attributes and Actions. The name: comprises the perfection of Attributes, and the perfection of Actions. The meaning of is the one who possesses the perfect living. This is inferred from the [11][34] in which is grammatically used to denote [amongst other things][12][35] the combination of all perfection [in properties and (or) applications in the term that it accompanies (al-istighraaq)].

This is also indicated in as far as existence and none-existence, and perfection and imperfection are concerned. In fact, if we consider man’s life, we find it imperfect because it originates in ‘adam (none-existence) and ends in ‘adam.[13][36]

It is also imperfect as far as his attributes and actions are concerned. For his hearing, sight, sayings, and actions are all imperfect. As such, man’s life is imperfect from all angles: in existence and ‘adam, and with regard to the inseparable attributes of life itself. However, with respect to Allaah, Most Mighty and Majestic, His life is perfect, neither preceded by ‘adam nor coming to naught. Allaah, Most High, says:

And put your trust and reliance upon the One who is Ever Living, who does not die. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Furqaan (25:58)].

He I also said:


Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish, and the Face of Your Rabb, full of Majesty and Honour, will abide forever. [Qur’aan, Soorat Ar-Rahmaan (55:26-27)].

That is why some of the salaf said: “The person should make a connection and not pause [when he recites the word perish in the above verse] because this signifies the right manner of perfection. The true aspect of Allaah’s perfection lies not only in the fact that creation will perish but also in the baqaa’ (endless existence) of Allaah, the Most Mighty and Most Majestic.
In addition, Allaah’s hayaat (Life) is one which is neither accompanied by annihilation nor by ‘adam:
Everything will perish save His Face.
[Qur’aan, soorat al-qasaa (28:88)].

Indeed, to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, belongs the eternally- perfect Life.

Furthermore Allaah’s hayaat is characterized by the perfection of Attributes: hearing, sight, knowledge, ability, might and all qualities of perfection. That is why the particle which denotes al-istighraaq with regard to baqaa’ (endless existence) and al-kamaal (perfection) was introduced.

Regarding [Allaah’s] Saying: al-Qayyoum, its origin is the word al-qiyaam, and the measure of is fayy’ool and it is a form of intensiveness. The name al-Qayyoum means the One Who is established on His Own, Self-subsisting, by Whom all things subsist.[14][37] Allaah, the Most High, said:

Is He (Allaah) Who takes charge (guards, maintains, provides, etc.) of every person and know all that he has earned (like any other deities who know nothing)? [Qur’aan, Soorat Ar-Ra’d (13:33)].

Allaah is established on His Own (qaa’im bi-nafsihi) as He, the Most High, says:

And Allaah is the Rich (Free of all wants), worthy of all praise. [Qur’aan, Soorat At-Taghaabun (64:6)].

So, Allaah is absolutely free of any need from all creation. He is Self-subsisting. He needs not food nor drink, for He is the One Who feeds but is not fed. He needs not a supporter, nor a helper, nor a deputy, nor an advisor. He is established in perfection by Himself.

If someone says, “How do we reconcile the above meaning of al-Qayyoum with the saying of Allaah, the Most High:

O you who believe! If you “help Allaah,” He will help you. [Qur’aan, Soorat Muhammad (47:7)],

and His saying:

Verily Allaah will help those who “help Him”?
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Hajj (22:40)].
What is meant by His affirmation that He “is being helped”? The answer is that the intended meaning is help in the cause of Allaah’s deen, for He is the One Who is in full charge of all things. So, everything other than Allaah is dependent upon Him in existence, preparation of affairs, and sustenance.
[1][24]The complete text in Saheeh Muslim is:
عَنْ أُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ قَالَ: “قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ أَتَدْرِي أَيُّ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ مَعَكَ أَعْظَمُ قَالَ قُلْتُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ قَالَ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ أَتَدْرِي أَيُّ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ مَعَكَ أَعْظَمُ قَالَ قُلْتُ: { اللَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلاّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ } قَالَ فَضَرَبَ فِي صَدْرِي وَقَالَ وَاللَّهِ لِيَهْنِكَ الْعِلْمُ أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ."-[صحيح مسلم]
Ubayy bin Ka’b (Abul-Munthir) said: “Allaah’s Messenger (r) said: ‘O Abal- Munthir! Do you know the aayah from the Book of Allaah which, according to you, is the greatest?’ I said: ‘Allaah and His Messenger (r) know best. He again said: Abal Munthir, do you know the verse from the Book of Allaah which, according to you, is the greatest?’ I said: { الله لا إله إلاَّ هُوَ الحيُّ القَيُّوم }: Allaah, none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-living, the One Who is established on His Own, Self-subsisting, by Whom all things subsist.' Thereupon he struck me on my breast and said: ‘May knowledge give you joy, O Abal Munthir!’” [See Saheeh Muslim bi-Sharh Al-Imaam an-Nawawi (Arabic) (Beirut, Lebanone: Daar al-Ma’rifah,1st ed. 1414/1994)], vol. 6, no. 1882, p. 334. This reference contains Saheeh Muslim with a commentary by Imaam an-Nawawi (رحمه الله)].
[2][25]This came in the famous hadeeth reported by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh and which the Prophet (r) assigned Abu Hurayrah (t) to be in charge of the Zakaat revenue of the month of Ramadaan. Someone started to steal some of the foodstuff. When Abu Hurayrah (t) took hold of him and threatened to take him to the Prophet (r), he said: “I am needy and have many dependents, and I am in great need.” Abu Hurayrah released him and told the Prophet (r) of what happened. He (r) said, “Indeed, he told you a lie and he will be coming again.” Knowing that the Prophet (r) says nothing but the truth, Abu Hurayrah waited for him watchfully. He caught him trying to steal again. He threatened him to take him to the Prophet (r) but then released him when he complained of his great need and promised not to come again. The Prophet (r) told Abu Hurayrah, “Verily, he told you a lie and he will return.” He returned and was caught stealing for the third time. This time, however, he told Abu Hurayrah (t), “I will teach you some words with which Allaah will benefit you.” I asked, “What are they?” He replied: “Whenever you go to bed, recite aayatul-kursi:
{ الله لا إله إلاَّ هوَ الحيُّ القَيُّوم }
till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allaah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no shaytaan will come near you till morning.” Upon telling the Prophet (r) of this, he said: “He really spoke the truth, although he is [absolutely] a liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurayrah?” Aboo Hurayrah said, “No.” He (r) said, “It was a shaytaan.” [See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, no. 504].
[3][26]The thaat is necessarily qualified with all of the superlative attributes of perfection.
[4][27]The One Who nurtures and sustains all the creation with His favors and blessings. He is the One Who created them, and He is the One Who possesses full and perfect sovereignty over them, He owns them and controls their affairs as He U wishes and in accordance with His Knowledge, Wisdom, and Justice. Being the Rabb of all creation, He deserves, therefore, to be singled out for all worship. After all, He is the one who prepared them for that which they were created: To worship none but Him. He supported them with all of their needs, brought down for them the Revelation, and sent His Messengers to them so that they would be guided to His Path.
[5][28]Aaliha (sing. ilaah): Gods.
[6][29]Allaah, Most High, said:
{ ولا تدع مع الله إلها آخر لا إله إلا هو كل شيء هالك إلا وجهه له الحكم وإليه ترجعون } [القصص، 88].
And invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allaah, laa ilaaha illaa huwa [none has the right to be worshipped but He]. Everything will perish save His Face. His is the decision and to Him (all of) you shall be returned. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Qasas (28:88)].
Sahykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah (رحمه الله) in his Fataawaa (1:24) commented: “The one who worships other than Allaah even though he loves [his deity] and seems to gain through it some kind of good relations and enjoyment in this life, it is certain that the harm inflicted upon him by this worship is greater than the harm resulting from the enjoyment of eating poisoned food.‎”
[7][30]Taqwaa: Seeking to take protection from Allaah’s anger and punishment by doing whatever Allaah commands and keeping away from whatever He forbids.
[8][31]Since He is the One Who created you and made available for you all kinds of provisions, then it is a necessary duty upon you that you should single Him out for all worship and set up no partners along with Him in worship.
[9][32]Jins: Kind, class, comprising under it several sorts.
[10][33]So, this omitted word haqq (truly and rightfully) makes it clear that, although there are other confirmed deities besides Allaah U, these aalihaa [gods] which are worshipped besides Allaah are false gods. They posses nothing of divinity, nor do they deserve any worship. [See Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Majmoo’ Fataawaa, section on Sharh Thalaathat Al-Usool (Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: Daar ath-Thurayya 1413)], vol.6, p. 66. This section has been translated into English by Br. Abu Talhah Daawood ibn Ronald Burbank, and was published by Daar Al-Hidaayah, Birmingham, U.K.
[11][34]{ال}, “al”is a particle of determination and specification.
[12][35]See Lane, E.W., Arabic-English Lexicon (Cambridge, England: Islaamic Texts Society, 1984), vol. 1, p. 74.
[13][36]In the present world, otherwise man will end up in an eternal life in the Hereafter.
[14][37]He sustains, protects, prepares, and runs the affairs of all things as He wills in accordance with His Knowledge, Wisdom, and Justice.