What is Ayat al-Kursi and when do I recite it?
Yes, it's one verse you'll use every day: Ayat al-Kursi is verse 255 of Surah al-Baqarah. The Prophet ﷺ called it the greatest verse in the Quran. The best-known times to recite it are before you sleep and, according to many scholars, after each obligatory prayer. You can also read it any time you want to feel close to Allah or protected.
What it is
"Ayat al-Kursi" means "the Verse of the Throne" (or Footstool), named after the word Kursi in the middle of it. It is a short, powerful description of who Allah is: alive, never tired, never sleeping, owning everything, knowing everything. It opens with the words Allahu la ilaha illa huwa, al-Hayyul-Qayyum.
The Prophet ﷺ once asked his Companion Ubayy ibn Ka'b which verse of the Book of Allah was the greatest. Ubayy answered with the opening of Ayat al-Kursi, and the Prophet ﷺ struck him on the chest and said: "May knowledge be pleasant for you" (Sahih Muslim 810).
When to recite it
- Before sleeping: in a famous story, Abu Huraira was told to recite Ayat al-Kursi when going to bed, and the Prophet ﷺ confirmed this advice (Sahih al-Bukhari 5010). It's a key part of the bedtime routine.
- After each obligatory prayer: a narration recorded by an-Nasa'i in his larger collection mentions this. Many scholars, including al-Albani, graded it authentic, so it's a common part of the adhkar after salah.
- Morning and evening: many people include it in their daily adhkar for protection.
- Any time: when you're anxious, traveling, or just want to remember Allah, it's a beautiful thing to recite.
Do I need to know it in Arabic?
Reciting it in Arabic is the goal, since that's the Quran itself. But it's one long verse, so take your time. Read the English meaning first so you know what you're saying, then learn it in small chunks: the first line one week, the next line the week after. Listening to a reciter on repeat helps a lot. Until you know it, you can read it from an app or a card. See Am I still rewarded if I make mistakes reading the Quran?
Why it matters
For a new Muslim, Ayat al-Kursi is like a short summary of belief in Allah. Every line answers a question people often ask: Does God get tired? Does He need anyone? Does He know what I'm going through? Reflecting on it slowly is as valuable as memorizing it. See Which English translation of the Quran should I read?
- Ayat al-Kursi is Quran 2:255.
- The Prophet ﷺ called it the greatest verse.
- Recite it before sleep and after each obligatory prayer.
- Learn it in small parts; reading it from an app is fine meanwhile.
People also ask
Where should I start reading the Quran as a new Muslim?
It depends on your goal, but start with al-Fatiha, then short surahs from Juz 'Amma, and read the translation a page a day.
Read the full answer →Which surahs should I memorize first as a new Muslim?
It depends a little, but start with al-Fatiha, then al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas. Then add short surahs and Ayat al-Kursi.
Read the full answer →Am I still rewarded if I make mistakes reading the Quran?
Yes, and maybe double: the Prophet ﷺ said one who struggles reciting the Quran gets two rewards. Keep learning and correcting.
Read the full answer →What is tajweed and do I need to learn it?
Yes, to a basic level. Tajweed is the rules for pronouncing the Quran correctly; avoid clear mistakes first, then refine.
Read the full answer →Can I recite the Quran from memory on my period?
It depends on your school: Malikis allow reciting from memory on your period; most others don't, except as dua or dhikr. Both are respected.
Read the full answer →