Sat 1447/08/05AH (24-01-2026AD)
Ayat al-Kursi is one of the most important verses of the Qur’an and is part of the syllabus under the theme “Allah in Himself”. This verse describes the nature, power, knowledge and authority of Allah. It is frequently tested in IGCSE Islamiyat examinations and students are expected to understand its meaning, theme and importance in Muslim life.
“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.”
Reference : Surah Baqarah 2:255
In-book reference: Quran
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ ٢٥٥
This verse explains the absolute uniqueness and greatness of Allah. It tells Muslims that Allah is:
The verse also teaches that no one can intercede without Allah’s approval, showing His supreme authority.
This passage belongs to the theme:
Because it describes:
It does not focus on creation or prophets, but purely on who Allah is.
This verse is important because:
Muslims often recite Ayat al-Kursi:
It reassures Muslims that Allah is always watching and protecting them.
In the exam, you may be asked:
High scoring answers will:
Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Baqarah 2:255) was last tested in IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 Paper 1 in the October/November 2022 examination session, where students were asked to explain how Allah describes Himself in this passage.
Explain what Surah Baqarah 2:255 teaches about Allah and describe its importance in the lives of Muslims today.
Surah Baqarah 2:255, known as Ayat al-Kursi, teaches Muslims about the absolute oneness, power, knowledge, and authority of Allah. The verse begins by stating that there is no deity except Allah, which clearly emphasises Tawhid, the belief that Allah is the only one worthy of worship. This strengthens the core Islamic belief that no one shares His power or status.
The verse describes Allah as Al-Hayy (the Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (the Sustainer of all existence). This teaches that Allah does not depend on anyone, while everything in the universe depends on Him. It also states that neither sleep nor tiredness overtakes Him, showing that Allah is free from all human weaknesses and limitations.
Ayat al-Kursi further teaches that everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, which highlights His complete ownership and control over creation. It also explains that no one can intercede without His permission, showing that Allah has supreme authority and that no one can influence Him without His will.
The verse also emphasises Allah’s complete knowledge, as He knows what is before people and what is after them. This teaches Muslims that Allah is aware of all actions, intentions, and events. His knowledge is unlimited, while human knowledge is very limited.
For Muslims today, this verse is extremely important because it strengthens their faith and trust in Allah. It reminds them that Allah is always in control, which gives comfort in times of difficulty and fear. Many Muslims recite Ayat al-Kursi after prayers, before sleeping, and for protection, believing that it brings peace and safety.
It also encourages Muslims to rely on Allah alone and not on worldly things, as only Allah has real power. This affects their daily behaviour, prayer, and decision-making, as they try to live according to His guidance.
In conclusion, Ayat al-Kursi is important because it clearly describes who Allah is and strengthens Muslim belief in His power, knowledge, and protection. It guides Muslims to trust Allah completely and live their lives according to His will.