What is the virtue of reciting Ayat al-Kursi after prayer?

Ayat al-Kursi for Protection – Quran 2:255 Supplication

Ayat al-Kursi describes Allah's perfect knowledge, authority, and greatness. The Prophet ﷺ described it as the greatest verse in the Book of Allah and a powerful means of protection for the believer.

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

Transliteration

Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum. La ta'khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm. Lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-ard. Man dhal-ladhi yashfa'u 'indahu illa bi-idhnih. Ya'lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum. Wa la yuhituna bi-shay'im-min 'ilmihi illa bi ma sha'. Wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-ard, wa la ya'uduhu hifzuhuma wa Huwal-'Aliyyul-'Azim.

Translation

Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. 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 [presently] 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.

Source

Quran — Quran — 2:255

Authenticity: Quranic

Meaning and Explanation

The verse affirms Allah's absolute life, self-subsistence, and total authority over all creation. It highlights that He is never unaware and that no protection is possible except through Him.

When to Recite

Recite it after every obligatory prayer, every morning and evening, and specifically before going to sleep.

How to Recite

Recite the full verse slowly with focus and understanding, reflecting on the greatness of Allah.

Important Notes

This is Quran 2:255. While it is a means of protection, it should be read as an act of worship and trust in Allah rather than a talisman or magic charm.

Benefits

It strengthens Tawhid, provides spiritual security, and according to hadith, protects the reciter from Shaytan when read before sleep.

Additional Duas

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

Qul Huwallahu Ahad

Say, He is Allah, [who is] One.

Source

Quran — The Holy Quran — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255

Authenticity: Authentic — Quranic verse

Recognized as the greatest verse of the Quran.

Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari — Sahih al-Bukhari 2311

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Hadith concerning its protection from Shaytan before sleep.

Content type: Quran

Tags: ayat-al-kursi quran protection sleep adhkar

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Prophet ﷺ said that nothing stands between the one who recites it after every obligatory prayer and entering Paradise except death.