Benefits of reciting Ayatul Kursi

The 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran is known as Ayatul Kursi. It is mentioned in a Hadith that Ayatul Kursi is the greatest verse in the Quran. Once the Messenger of Allah asked his blessed companion Ubay Ibn Ka’b (Ra), 'Which verse of the Quran holds the highest status?’ Ubay replied, ‘Ayatul Kursi.' The Prophet (PUBH) became very happy and supported his statement. Thereupon he struck me on my breast and said, ‘May knowledge be pleasant for you, O Abu'l-Mundhir!’ (Sahih Muslim: 810). According to another narration, Ayatul Kursi has a tongue and two lips, glorifying the Sovereign near the leg of the Throne (Arsh of Allah). It is said in another Hadith that Ayatul Kursi is the greatest individual verse of the Quran. This verse is also called the Sayyedatul Quran, or the leader of all verses within the Quran.
The profound wisdom behind the greatness of this great verse is an ultimate declaration of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah), and it explicitly states that Allah is entirely free from human limitations like drowsiness, sleep or fatigue. The verse establishes His absolute perfection and unmatched authority over the universe. Here, I would like to mention the virtues of reciting this blessed verse.
Firstly, reciting Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer guarantees a Muslim's place in Paradise, with death being the only remaining barrier keeping them from entering it. Abu Umamah (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi at the end of (after) each mandatory prayer, nothing prevents him from entering paradise except death.” (Sunan Nasayee: 9848). Islamic scholars unanimously say that this Hadith refers to the fact that the regular reciter of this Ayah is fundamentally qualified for Paradise.
Secondly, Ayatul Kursi serves as a powerful shield against evil Jinns and devils for the Muslim who recites it twice during the day, once in the morning and once in the evening.   One of the renowned companions (Ra) of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) Ubayy ibn Ka’b caught a strange creature stealing from his supply of dates, which then confessed to being a Jinn. When Ubayy asked the Jinn what could protect humans from their harm, it replied that reciting Ayatul Kursi would. Ubay Ibn Ka’b (Ra) said that he had a place where he dried dates (or a vessel containing dates), and he noticed that the quantity was decreasing. So, he kept watch over it one night. Suddenly, he saw a creature resembling an adolescent boy. Ubayy greeted him with Salaam, and the creature returned the greeting. Ubayy asked, "What are you? A jinn or a human?" It replied, "No, a jinn." Ubayy said, "Extend your hand to me." So it extended its hand, and behold! Its hand was like a dog's paw, and its hair was like a dog's hair. Ubayy asked, "Is this how Jinns are created?" It replied, "The jinn certainly know that there is no man among them stronger than me." Ubayy asked, "What brought you here?" It replied, "We heard that you love giving charity, so we came to get some of your food." Ubayy asked, "What protects us from you?" It replied, "This verse which is in Surah al-Baqarah (Ayat al-Kursi). Whoever recites it when he reaches the evening will be protected from us until he reaches the morning, and whoever recites it when he reaches the morning will be protected from us until he reaches the evening."
When morning came, Ubayy went to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and mentioned that to him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "The evil one spoke the truth." (Sunan Nasayee: 10305)
Thirdly, Ayatul Kursi provides ultimate overnight protection for a believer who recites it when he goes to bed to sleep.   Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing from the foodstuff. I caught him and said, "I will take you to Allah's Messenger (PBUH)!" Then Abu Huraira described the whole narration and said, "That person said (to me), 'Please don't take me to Allah's Messenger (PBUH), and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you.' " When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi (2.255), for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and no Satan will come near you until the morning..." (When the Prophet (PBUH) heard the story) he said (to me), "He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was a Shaytan’ (Sahih Bukhari: 5010).
 Although it is highly virtuous to recite this verse at any time of the day or night – and a Muslim can attain boundless rewards and infinite blessings through reciting this verse as many times as he wishes – the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) encourages reciting this blessed verse eight specific times a day. Five times after each of the obligatory prayers, twice during the day – once in the morning, once in the evening and once when going to bed.

The writer is Khatib of Baitush Shafiq Mosque and Principal, Baitul Hikmah Academy