Primary Sources Cited on This Page
- Qur’an 2:255 – Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 255 (Mushaf, Uthmani script)
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2311 – narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA)
- Sahih Muslim 810 – narrated by Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA)
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir – Imam Ismail ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH)
- Tafsir al-Tabari – Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310 AH)
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi – Imam Abu Abdullah al-Qurtubi (d. 671 AH)
- Saheeh International (1997) . Marmaduke Pickthall (1930) . Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934) – English translations
Ayatul Kursi – also spelled Ayat al-Kursi, Ayatul Kursiyy, or the Throne Verse – is the single most celebrated verse of the Qur’an after Surah Al-Fatihah. Muslims recite it after every obligatory prayer, before sleeping, when leaving the house, and in moments of fear or distress. This page presents the verse in its original Arabic, three scholar-authenticated English translations (Saheeh International, Marmaduke Pickthall, Abdullah Yusuf Ali), complete transliteration, word-by-word explanation, audio recitation by seven world-renowned qaris, and its virtues drawn directly from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Ayatul Kursi in Arabic Text
Below is the full Arabic text of Ayatul Kursi in the Uthmani script – the standard Mushaf script used across the Muslim world. This is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, chapter 2 of the Qur’an.
Listen to Ayatul Kursi – English & Arabic Audio
Listening to the verse is one of the most effective ways to learn its rhythm, improve your Arabic pronunciation, and memorize it. Choose from seven world-renowned qaris below, then press play. You can also download the full MP3 in 320kbps.
Ayatul Kursi Transliteration in English (Roman Letters)
Transliteration writes the Arabic pronunciation using English (Roman) letters. It is especially useful for new Muslims, non-Arabic speakers, and learners who have not yet mastered the Arabic script. Read along with the audio above for the most accurate pronunciation.
Allāhu lā ilāha illā huwa al-ḥayyu al-qayyūm. Lā taʾkhudhuhū sinatun wa lā nawm. Lahū mā fī as-samāwāti wa mā fī al-arḍ. Man dhā alladhī yashfaʿu ʿindahū illā bi-idhnih? Yaʿlamu mā bayna aydīhim wa mā khalfahum, wa lā yuḥīṭūna bi-shayʾin min ʿilmihī illā bi-mā shāʾ. Wasiʿa kursiyyuhū as-samāwāti wa al-arḍ, wa lā yaʾūduhū ḥifẓuhumā. Wa huwa al-ʿaliyyu al-ʿaẓīm.
Ayatul Kursi English Translation – Three Authentic Versions
Below are the three most widely accepted English translations of Ayatul Kursi. Each preserves the core meaning while offering a different style – modern standard (Saheeh International), classical formal English (Pickthall), and literary with commentary (Yusuf Ali). Comparing them side-by-side gives a richer understanding than relying on any single translation alone.
1. Saheeh International
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 Kursī extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
2. Marmaduke Pickthall
Allah! There is no deity save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.
3. Abdullah Yusuf Ali
Allah! There is no god but He, – the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).
All three translations sourced from widely-distributed public editions. Cross-reference the original Arabic on Quran.com (2:255).
Copy-Paste the English Text of Ayatul Kursi
Need the full English text of Ayatul Kursi for a poster, presentation, study notes, or social share? Use the Saheeh International version below – it’s the most widely-used modern English rendering.
Ayatul Kursi – Full English Text
“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.”
– Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255
Ayatul Kursi Word-by-Word Meaning in English
Understanding each Arabic word helps you appreciate the depth of meaning encoded in Ayatul Kursi. Below is a simplified word-by-word table for the opening and key phrases of the verse.
| Arabic | Transliteration | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| اللَّهُ | Allāhu | Allah (the One God) |
| لَا إِلَٰهَ | lā ilāha | there is no deity |
| إِلَّا هُوَ | illā huwa | except He |
| الْحَيُّ | al-ḥayy | the Ever-Living |
| الْقَيُّومُ | al-qayyūm | the Sustainer of all existence |
| لَا تَأْخُذُهُ | lā taʾkhudhuhū | neither overtakes Him |
| سِنَةٌ | sinatun | drowsiness / slumber |
| وَلَا نَوْمٌ | wa lā nawm | nor sleep |
| لَهُ مَا | lahū mā | to Him belongs whatever is |
| فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ | fī as-samāwāt | in the heavens |
| وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ | wa mā fī al-arḍ | and whatever is on the earth |
| مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ | man dhā alladhī yashfaʿu | who is it that can intercede |
| إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ | illā bi-idhnih | except by His permission |
| يَعْلَمُ | yaʿlamu | He knows |
| كُرْسِيُّهُ | kursiyyuhū | His Kursi (throne / footstool) |
| وَلَا يَئُودُهُ | wa lā yaʾūduhū | and it does not tire Him |
| حِفْظُهُمَا | ḥifẓuhumā | the preservation of them both |
| الْعَلِيُّ | al-ʿaliyy | the Most High |
| الْعَظِيمُ | al-ʿaẓīm | the Most Great |
For the full grammatical analysis, see our complete Ayatul Kursi word-by-word study guide.
What Does Ayatul Kursi Mean in English?
Ayatul Kursi is a proclamation of Allah’s absolute sovereignty over all creation. In a single verse, it establishes the foundational principles of Islamic belief: that Allah is the only true deity (tawhid), that He is eternally alive and self-sustaining (al-Ḥayy al-Qayyūm), that His knowledge encompasses all things past and future, and that His authority extends beyond the visible universe.
The word Kursi literally means “footstool” or “throne” in Arabic. Classical commentators explain that it symbolizes Allah’s vast dominion and knowledge, which extends over the heavens and the earth without the slightest burden upon Him. This is not a physical description but a symbolic one – a way of conveying to human minds something of the boundless majesty of the Creator.
Commentary: Imam Ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH)
Ibn Kathir explains that Ayatul Kursi is called “the greatest verse” because it contains the supreme attributes of Allah – His divinity (ulūhiyyah), His eternal life (al-Ḥayāt), His self-subsistence (al-Qayyūmiyyah), His transcendence above sleep and fatigue, His absolute ownership of the heavens and earth, His unlimited knowledge, and the unique majesty of His Kursi which extends over all creation. He cites the hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (Sahih Muslim 810) as the basis for its rank as the greatest verse.
Commentary: Imam al-Tabari (d. 310 AH)
Al-Tabari, the “father of Qur’anic exegesis”, transmits multiple reports from the companions and their students on the meaning of al-Kursi. The most accepted view he records – from Ibn Abbas (RA) – is that the Kursi is the footstool associated with Allah’s Throne (al-ʿArsh), and its vastness described in the verse is a way of conveying the immensity of Allah’s dominion.
Commentary: Imam al-Qurtubi (d. 671 AH)
Al-Qurtubi notes that Ayatul Kursi brings together the affirmation of tawhid, the denial of any partner, associate, or need in Allah, and the establishment of His knowledge, will, power, and majesty – making it, in effect, a complete summary of Islamic theology in a single verse.
For a complete verse-by-verse commentary, read our full tafsir of Ayatul Kursi.
Benefits & Virtues of Ayatul Kursi (From Authentic Hadith)
The special virtues of Ayatul Kursi come directly from authentic hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These benefits are earned through sincere, regular recitation with understanding – the verse itself is not a magical talisman, but an act of remembrance that draws the reciter closer to Allah.
Three Authentic Hadith on the Virtues of Ayatul Kursi
- The Greatest Verse of the Qur’an. The Prophet ﷺ asked Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA): “O Abu al-Mundhir, do you know which verse from the Book of Allah that you have is the greatest?” I said: “Allah, there is no deity but He, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer (Ayatul Kursi).” He struck my chest and said: “May knowledge be a joy to you, O Abu al-Mundhir.” – Sahih Muslim 810.
- Protection throughout the night. The Prophet ﷺ taught Abu Hurairah (RA): “When you go to bed, recite Ayatul Kursi. Allah will appoint a guardian over you, and no devil will come near you until morning.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 2311.
- Path to Paradise after every prayer. It is reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi immediately after every obligatory prayer, nothing stands between him and entering Paradise except death.” Narrated by Abu Umamah (RA); reported by an-Nasa’i in Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah and graded authentic by Shaykh al-Albani in Silsilah as-Sahihah no. 972.
“By Allah, may knowledge be a joy to you, O Abu al-Mundhir.” – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, to Ubayy ibn Ka’b . Sahih Muslim 810
For the complete list of hadith-backed benefits, see our dedicated page: Full benefits of reading Ayatul Kursi.
When to Recite Ayatul Kursi – Daily Timeline
Based on authentic hadith and the practice of the companions, the recommended times for reciting Ayatul Kursi are:
1. After every obligatory prayer (Fard Salah)
Reciting Ayatul Kursi once after each of the five daily prayers – Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha – is strongly recommended, based on the hadith of Abu Umamah (RA) graded authentic by al-Albani.
2. Before sleeping
Reciting Ayatul Kursi before bed is a proven Sunnah practice for divine protection through the night, as reported in Sahih al-Bukhari 2311.
3. In morning and evening adhkar
Many scholars recommend reciting Ayatul Kursi once in the morning and once in the evening as part of the daily remembrance (adhkar), for continuous protection throughout the day and night.
4. When leaving home or traveling
Reciting Ayatul Kursi before leaving the house or starting a journey is a common Sunnah-based practice for safety.
Learn more about recommended counts (1×, 3×, 7×, 100×) and occasions on our When to Read Ayatul Kursi guide.
How to Memorize Ayatul Kursi in English & Arabic
Memorizing Ayatul Kursi is one of the most rewarding acts a Muslim can commit to. Because the verse is a single, self-contained ayah – not too short, not too long – it is achievable within one to two weeks for most learners. Here’s a proven method:
Step 1 – Listen daily (Day 1-3)
Play the audio recitation above 3-5 times per day while reading along with the Arabic text and transliteration. Do not attempt to memorize yet – just absorb the rhythm.
Step 2 – Understand the English meaning (Day 2-4)
Read the three English translations and the word-by-word breakdown. When you know what you are reciting, the Arabic sticks much faster.
Step 3 – Break into 10 phrases (Day 4-7)
Divide the verse into the 10 natural phrases separated by the Arabic pause marks. Memorize one phrase at a time, repeating it 10 times before adding the next.
Step 4 – Recite without looking (Day 7-14)
Once you can recite the full verse looking at the text, test yourself without it. Practice during your obligatory prayers and before sleep – the exact times the hadith recommend.
Follow our full scholar-guided plan: Memorize Ayatul Kursi in 7 Days.
Read Ayatul Kursi in Your Language
Ayatul Kursi is available on our site in 12 languages, each with authentic Arabic text, translation, transliteration, and audio:
Ayatul Kursi in English – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayatul Kursi in English?
Ayatul Kursi in English is translated as “The Throne Verse”. It is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah – the second chapter of the Qur’an – and is described by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the greatest verse in the Book of Allah (Sahih Muslim 810).
What does Ayatul Kursi mean in English?
Ayatul Kursi means “The Verse of the Throne (or Footstool)”. It describes the absolute sovereignty, knowledge, and power of Allah – that He is the only God, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence, that He neither sleeps nor slumbers, that everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him, and that His Kursi encompasses them both.
Who translated Ayatul Kursi into English?
The three most widely-accepted English translations are by Saheeh International (1997, modern standard), Marmaduke Pickthall (1930, classical formal), and Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934, literary). All three are shown side-by-side on this page.
Where is Ayatul Kursi found in the Qur’an?
Ayatul Kursi is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah (chapter 2), the longest chapter of the Qur’an. It is commonly referenced as Qur’an 2:255.
How do you pronounce Ayatul Kursi in English?
Ayatul Kursi is pronounced “Aa-ya-tul Kur-see”. The verse opens with “Allahu la ilaha illa huwal hayyul qayyum” – “Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.” Full transliteration is provided above, and we recommend listening to the audio while reading along for best results.
Is it valid to read Ayatul Kursi only in English translation?
The Qur’an’s miraculous nature is preserved only in its original Arabic. Reading the English translation is valuable for understanding the meaning, but formal recitation in salah or for the specific virtues mentioned in hadith should be done in Arabic. Ideally, learn both the Arabic pronunciation and the English meaning together – which is exactly what this page is designed for.
What are the main benefits of reading Ayatul Kursi?
Three benefits are explicitly mentioned in authentic hadith: (1) it is the greatest verse of the Qur’an (Sahih Muslim 810), (2) reciting it before sleep brings a guardian from Allah until morning (Sahih al-Bukhari 2311), and (3) reciting it after every obligatory prayer keeps a person on the path to Paradise (Sunan an-Nasa’i, Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah; graded sahih by al-Albani in Silsilah as-Sahihah 972). See our benefits page.
Why is Ayatul Kursi called the greatest verse?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ personally told Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA) that Ayatul Kursi is the greatest verse in the Book of Allah, recorded in Sahih Muslim 810. Scholars explain that it is “the greatest” because it contains the most comprehensive description of Allah’s essential attributes – divinity, eternal life, self-subsistence, absolute knowledge, and unlimited sovereignty – in a single verse.
How long is Ayatul Kursi in English?
Ayatul Kursi is a single verse of the Qur’an. In English, it typically runs between 80-120 words depending on the translation. In Arabic it is around 50 words, usually taking 30-60 seconds to recite at a moderate pace.
Can I copy the full English text of Ayatul Kursi from this page?
Yes – the full Arabic, transliteration, and all three English translations on this page are plain selectable text with a one-click “Copy” button on each block. Share for personal study, Islamic study circles, or social media with attribution; please do not re-sell.
Sources & References
Every quotation, translation, and hadith citation on this page is drawn directly from the following primary sources:
- Qur’an 2:255 (Mushaf, Uthmani script). Cross-reference: quran.com/2/255.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2311 – the hadith of Abu Hurairah (RA) on reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleep. Compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Bukhari (d. 256 AH / 870 CE). Full text: sunnah.com/bukhari:2311.
- Sahih Muslim 810 – the hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA) on Ayatul Kursi being the greatest verse. Compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj (d. 261 AH / 875 CE). Full text: sunnah.com/muslim:810.
- Sunan an-Nasa’i – Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah – the hadith of Abu Umamah (RA) on reciting Ayatul Kursi after obligatory prayers. Compiled by Imam Ahmad ibn Shu’ayb an-Nasa’i (d. 303 AH / 915 CE). Graded sahih by Shaykh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani in Silsilah al-Ahadith as-Sahihah, no. 972.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir – Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Azim by Imam Abu al-Fida Ismail ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH / 1373 CE).
- Tafsir al-Tabari – Jami’ al-Bayan ‘an Ta’wil Ay al-Qur’an by Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310 AH / 923 CE).
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi – Al-Jami’ li Ahkam al-Qur’an by Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad al-Qurtubi (d. 671 AH / 1273 CE).
- English translations: Saheeh International (1997), The Meaning of the Glorious Koran by Marmaduke Pickthall (1930), and The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934).
Reading Ayatul Kursi in English First – What Actually Works
When I embraced Islam in India, English was already my working language for religious study. Everyone around me pushed me to skip the English and go straight to Arabic. That advice was well-meaning, but for a revert with adult-brain memory limits and a full-time job, it was terrible. I spent nine months memorising Arabic phonetically before I understood a single word – which means I was reciting sounds, not meaning, for almost a year. Here is the path I would give any new Muslim starting from English today.
1. Pick ONE translation and stay with it for the first month
Comparing Saheeh International, Pickthall, and Yusuf Ali side-by-side is useful eventually – but not on day one. Pick one (I recommend Saheeh International for modern clarity) and commit to it for a full 30 days. Your brain needs a stable version to attach the meaning to. Comparing translations from day one produces confusion, not depth. Depth comes later.
2. Learn what “Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum” actually says before the rest
Every translation renders these two names slightly differently. “The Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence” (Saheeh). “The Alive, the Eternal” (Pickthall). “The Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal” (Yusuf Ali). None of these fully carries the Arabic. What you need to know: Al-Hayy = life that has no beginning and no end and depends on nothing. Al-Qayyum = the one who exists by Himself AND on whom every other existing thing depends every second. Understand these two names and half of Ayatul Kursi opens up.
3. Use the transliteration as a bridge – not a destination
Roman-letter transliteration (“Allahu la ilaha illa huwal hayyul qayyum”) is a training-wheels tool. It gets you reciting in month one instead of month six. But every day you rely on it is a day you postpone learning the Arabic script. My rule: use transliteration for the first 30 days, then start covering it up phrase by phrase and reading the Arabic underneath. By day 90 you should be reading Arabic directly.
4. Reciting in Arabic is required for the hadith rewards – not the meaning
This is the honest theological answer that new Muslims deserve. The specific rewards promised in Sahih al-Bukhari 2311 (angelic protection at night) and Sunan an-Nasa’i (Paradise after fard prayer) attach to reciting the verse in Arabic – that is the Sunnah action described by the Prophet ﷺ. Reciting the English translation is a valuable act of remembrance and study, but it does not fulfil those specific hadith. So: learn the meaning in English, learn the sounds in Arabic, and combine both. That is the complete practice.
My honest 90-day plan for a new Muslim: Days 1-30 English translation only, learn what you are saying. Days 31-60 add the transliteration and start reciting phonetically. Days 61-90 begin reading the Arabic script and phase out the transliteration. By day 91 you have understanding, pronunciation, and script – the full practice.
Common Reader Questions
Questions we receive most often about reading Ayatul Kursi in English.
Which English translation is closest to the Arabic?
Can I recite Ayatul Kursi in English during salah (formal prayer)?
Why do the three English translations use different words for “Kursi”?
Do I get any reward for reading the English translation?
Which English translation is safest for a new Muslim?
Common Mistakes English Readers Make
Errors we see most often from readers approaching Ayatul Kursi through English translation and transliteration.
The Qur’an is the Arabic revelation. English versions are translations of meaning – human interpretations. They carry the meaning approximately; they are not the Qur’an itself. This is why formal salah must be in Arabic and why every serious translation title includes phrases like “The Meaning of…” or “English Meanings of…”.
Some new Muslims try to recite from Roman-letter transliteration (“Allahu la ilaha…”) in obligatory prayer because they cannot yet read Arabic script. This is not valid. Transliteration is a learning aid, not a substitute for reading Arabic. If you cannot yet read the script, memorise the sounds from listening to the audio and recite from memory – not from Roman letters.
Reading Saheeh International, Pickthall, and Yusuf Ali side by side is useful for advanced students – not for beginners. Comparison from day one produces confusion, not clarity. Pick one, live with it for a month, then start comparing.
Some websites and apps now publish AI-translated verses without any scholarly review. These often mistranslate theologically sensitive terms – especially the names of Allah and words like Kursi and Arsh. Only trust translations attributed to named scholars (Saheeh International, Pickthall, Yusuf Ali, Mohsin Khan, Abdel Haleem). If the translator is unnamed or “AI-assisted”, assume nothing.
Transliteration is training wheels. Every day you rely on it is a day you postpone learning the Arabic script. Set a 90-day deadline: by day 91 you should be reading Arabic directly, even slowly. The script itself is easier than most new learners fear – only 28 letters, most with a small number of forms.