the virtues & concise
TRANSCRIPT
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THE VIRTUES & CONCISE
COMMENTARY OF
AYAT UL KURSI
Compiled through the Blessings of Ghaus ul Waqt Huzoor Sayyidi Mufti e Azam Hind
By a humble servant of Allah Muhammad Afthab Cassim Qaadiri Razvi Noori
Published FOR
Free Distribution
By : IMAM MUSTAFA RAZA RESEARCH CENTRE
OVERPORT, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
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No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the Copyright Owner.
Title: The Virtues & Concise Commentary of Ayat ul Kursi Compiler: Muhammad Afthab Cassim al-Qaadiri Razvi Noori The Publishers Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre P.O. Box 70140, Overport, 4067 Durban, South Africa Offices 28 Clayton Road, Overport, Durban Tel/Fax: 031 2081045 Email: [email protected] Website: www.noori.org Contribute towards a noble course: For those brothers and sisters who wish to contribute towards our humble efforts, our Banking Details are as follows: Name : Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre Bank : Nedbank Acc No : 2034044606 Branch : Sydenham Code : 103409 Sponsor the Printing of a Book for Esaal-e-Sawaab Contact us if you wish to sponsor the printing of a book for the Esaal e Sawaab of the marhooms in your family. Sponsor the printing of a book and send the Sawaab to your marhoom family members. This is Sawaab-e-Jaariyah and a means of educating the Ummat. Knowledge is Power!
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Compiler’s Note
All Praise is due to Allah, Durood and Salaams upon our Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم and upon his Noble family, and Illustrious Companions, and upon the Ulama e Haq Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at, and all those who will follow the path of righteousness until the last day. By the Grace of Allah, The Mercy of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and blessings of the Awliyah and Masha’ikh, especially my Beloved Shaykh e Kaamil Huzoor Sayyidi Taajush Shariah and my mentor Huzoor Sayyidi Muhad’dith e Kabeer, and the blessings of my beloved parents, you have before you the booklet ‘The Virtues & Concise Commentary
of Ayat ul Kursi’. The Ayat ul Kursi is a verse that many of us recite in the Holy Qur’an and as a litany in times of difficulty, fear and calamity, but many of us do not realise the real blessings in this verse. It is for this reason that I intended to attempt to compile a book explaining the virtues of Ayat ul Kursi. With this, I have attempted to present a concise commentary of this verse, and in doing so I took benefit from the books of Tafseer such as Tafseer Ibn Ab’bas, Tafseer Qurtubi, Tafseer Durr e Manthur, Tafseer Rooh ul Bayaan, Tafseer Mazhari, Tafseer Naeemi and Tafseer Khaza’in ul Irfaan etc. On the 11th of Zil-Hijjah marks two years since the passing away of my beloved mother Sayyidah Khadija (Allah exalt her in Jannat). Although all the work which I attempt now is for the Esaal e Sawaab of my beloved mother, I felt I should do something specifically for her Esaale e Sawaab as this day arrives.
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The loss of a mother is something that never really goes away, but Allah blesses us with Sabr and it is His Grace and Mercy that He gives us the Taufeeq to serve His Deen and to do things which may be a means of Esaal e Sawaab for our parents. Last night I mentioned to Faheem Bhai of Malawi while he was talking to me, that I intend on writing a short book on the Ayat ul Kursi, but time is very little. I then thought that I will put my trust in Almighty Allah, and with the Wasila of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and the blessings of my Masha’ikh I will attempt this noble task. After retiring to bed last night, and just before waking up for Sehri this morning, on the 9th of Zil-hijjah, I was blessed with seeing Sultan ul Fuqaha Amir ul Mo’mineen Fil Hadith, Huzoor Sayyidi Muhad’dith e Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi in my dream. I saw Faheem Bhai as well and he was mentioning to Huzoor Muhad’dith e Kabeer about me wanting to attempt this noble task for the Esaal e Sawaab of my beloved mother. Huzoor Sayyidi Muhad’dith e Kabeer (may Allah preserve him), smiled and asked me, How many pages will the book be? I replied that I was not sure as time was less (it seemed I was implying this due to me just finishing the Hajj series). Huzoor smiled again and gave me Dua, and as I woke it was time for Sehri. I immediately took this as a good omen, and glad tidings of acceptance of this book, and I took this as a sign that it will, In’sha Allah, be an accepted means of Esaal e Sawaab for my beloved mother.
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I was not intending to mention this dream as I am not in the habit of mentioning dreams unless need be, but my dear student Janaab Ahmed Sabir insisted that I should mention it in my compiler’s note, which is why I have as a means of mentioned it here as gratitude in the Court of Allah. The Ayat ul Kursi is a very virtuous and important verse in the Holy Qur’an and if one studies it carefully and looks through the books of Tafseer, one will find that it is a clear explanation to the principals of Aqaa’id. Hence, I have prepared the concise Tafseer of Ayat ul Kursi and connected it wherever possible to important discussions on Aqaa’id as explained by Huzoor Sadrush Shariah Allama Amjadi Ali Al Azmi in his Bahaar e Shariat. Last but not least I must thank Brother Rukhsar Hussain Qadri Amjadi (Birmingham, UK), Brother Faheem Moosa (Lilongwe), and last but not least an ardent student of Deen Janaab Ahmed Sabir Suliman for their input in reading through the document. I must also thank my wife and children for their patience and understanding during the lengthy hours I spend working. I make Dua through the Wasila of Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم that Almighty Allah accepts this humble effort, and may this book serve as a means of benefit to those who read it. Aameen. It is also my sincere Dua that Almighty Allah, through the Wasila of Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم blesses us all with firmness in Imaan and sincerity in A’maal. Aameen. Sag e Mufti e Azam -Muhammad Afthab Cassim Qaadiri Razvi Noori
Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre
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This Translation is Dedicated To
A Masterful Jurist, A Radiant Teacher, The Son-in-Law of
Sayyidi Taajush Shariah, Hazrat Allama Maulana Mufti
In The Love of My Murshid e Kaamil
The Qutb ul Aqtaab of The Era
Sayyidi Taajush Shariah Hazrat Allama Mufti
For The Esaal e Sawaab of My Beloved Mother
& All The Marhooms of The Ahle Sunnat
Allah Exalt Them All in Jannat
Aameen Ya Rab-bal Aalameen
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THE TRANSLATION OF
AYAT UL KURSI
﷽
Allah’s Name (we) Begin With, The Compassionate, Most Merciful
[Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Verse 255]
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THE VIRTUES OF
AYAT UL KURSI
Imam Ahmed, Muslim, Abu Dawud, etc. have reported from Ubay bin Ka’ab that Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم asked him, which is the immensely blessed verse in the Holy Qur’an? Hazrat Ubay bin Ka’ab said, Ayat ul Kursi. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, O Abul Mundhir! Glad-tidings of knowledge be upon you. By Him
in Whose Divine Power is My Life, Ayat ul Kursi has a mouth and
two lips. It glorifies Almighty Allah at the base of the Arsh.
Imam Nasa’i, Abu Ya’la, Ibn Hib’baan and Abush Shaykh, Tabrani, Haakim, Abu Nu’aim and Baihaqi have reported from Hazrat Ubay bin Ka’ab that he had stacks of dates and he used to look over it, but daily he would find that it became less. One night he decided to guard it. That night he saw a quadrupled creature looking like an adult male. He says, when I made salaam to him, he replied. I asked, what are you, a Jin or a human? He said, I am a Jin. I said to him, give me, i.e. show me, your hand. His hand was like the paw of a dog and his hair was also like the fur of a dog. I said, are Jins in this form? He said, some are even more intense (in looks) than me. I asked, What brought you to do this (i.e. take from my dates)? We have heard that you enjoy giving Sadaqa, so we thought that we too should take a share from your food (i.e. from the dates). What is there that can protect us from you (i.e. your mischief)?
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The Jin said, Ayat ul Kursi which is in Surah Baqarah. The one who recites it at night will be protected from us until morning, and the one who recites it in the morning will be protected from us until the evening (i.e. night). When morning came, Hazrat Ubay bin Ka’ab presented himself at the Court of the Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم and mentioned about this litany of Ayat ul Kursi. The Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم
said,
That evil one has spoken the truth
Imam Bukhari reported in Taarikh, Baihaqi reported it as well, and Abu Nu’aim reported it in Al Ma’rufa from reliable narrators from Ibn Al Asqa’ Al-Bakri that Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم approached them while he was in the lines of the Muhajireen, so one person asked, Which verse in the Holy Qur’an is most blessed? The Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
موت وم ل نوم لہ ما فی السا وم ل تاخذہ سنۃ وا ہو الحی القی ا ا فی الرض اللہ ل الہ الا م
علمہ الا الاذی یشفع عندہ الا بانہ یعلم ما بین ایدیہم وما خلفہم ول یحیطون بشیء م
ـودہ حفظہما وہو العلی العظیم ـ موت والرض ول یـ ہ السا سی بماشاء وسع ک
It is mentioned by Imam Ahmed and then by Ibn Ad-Darees and Al Harawi in Fada’il that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم asked one of His صلى الله عليه وسلم companions, Have you made Nikah (i.e. are you married)? He said, No (I am not) because I have no wealth, through which I may make Nikah. He صلى الله عليه وسلم
asked, do you not have Surah Ikhlas قل ہو اللہ احد? He said, yes I have it (i.e.
I have memorised it).
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He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, it is a quarter of the Holy Qur’an. He صلى الله عليه وسلم then asked, Do you
not have ون ایہا الکف .He said, yes I have it (i.e. I have memorised it) ?قل ی
He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, It is a quarter of the Holy Qur’an. He صلى الله عليه وسلم then asked, do you
not have Surah ا زلزلت .He said, yes I have it (i.e. I have memorised it) ?ا
He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, it is a quarter of the Holy Qur’an. The Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم
then asked, do you have ا جاء نص He said, yes I have it (i.e. I have ?ا
memorised it). He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, it is a quarter of the Holy Qur’an. He صلى الله عليه وسلم then asked, do you not have Ayat ul Kursi? He said, that I have (i.e. I have memorised it). The Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم said, Make Nikah. Imam Baihaqi reports in Sha’bul Imaan from Hazrat Anas that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, One who recites Ayat ul Kursi after his Fard Namaaz, he will be
protected until the next Namaaz, and the ones protecting him will
either be a Nabi, a Siddique or a Shaheed.
Hazrat Khateeb Al Baghdadi reports in his Taarikh from Hazrat Anas that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, Do you know which verse of the Holy Qur’an is most blessed? The Sahaba e Kiraam said, It is Allah and His Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم Who Know Best. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
موت وما فی الرض م اللہ ل الہ ل نوم لہ ما فی السا وم ل تاخذہ سنۃ وا ہو الحی القی ا الا
عل الاذی یشفع عندہ الا بانہ یعلم ما بین ایدیہم وما خلفہم ول یحیطون بشی مہ الا ء م
ـودہ حفظہما وہو العلی العظیم ـ موت والرض ول یـ ہ السا سی بماشاء وسع ک
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Imam Tabrani reported from Hazrat Hasan bin Ali رضی اللہ عنهما that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, The one who read Ayat ul Kursi after every Namaaz is in the Divine
Protection of Allah until the next Namaaz.
Imam Abul Hasan Muhammad bin Ahmed Sham’oon Al Wa’iz in his Amali and Ibn An-Naj’jar reported from Hazrat A’isha Siddiqa رضی اللہ عنها that a person presented himself in the Court of the Beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم
and complained about not having any Barkat (i.e. blessings and abundance) in his home. The Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم said, You are heedless of Ayat ul Kursi, for when Ayat ul Kursi is recited
on any food or curry, then Almighty Allah causes Barkat in that
food and curry (i.e. stew etc.).
Imam Daarimi reported from Hazrat Ayfa’ bin Abdullah Al-Kula’i. He says that a person said, Ya Rasool’Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم! Which verse of the Holy Qur’an is most blessed? He صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
موت وم ل نوم لہ ما فی السا وم ل تاخذہ سنۃ وا ہو الحی القی ا ا فی الرض اللہ ل الہ الا م
علمہ الا الاذی یشفع عندہ الا بان ہ یعلم ما بین ایدیہم وما خلفہم ول یحیطون بشیء م
ـودہ حفظہما وہو العلی العظیم ـ موت والرض ول یـ ہ السا سی بماشاء وسع ک
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Thereafter, he asked, which verse of the Holy Qur’an is it that you will for your Ummah to attain (i.e. memorise)? He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, The closing verse of Surah Baqarah, for it is from the Treasures of
Allah’s Mercy which are beneath the Arsh, and it has in it all the
benefits of this world and the hereafter.
Note: This is the last verse of Surah Baqarah:
ن انااذ اخ ا
اا لا تؤان ب ا ر
تابااس ت
ا اک
اا مالایہ ا
عا وتاباا کاس ا
ا ماا لاہ ا
ہاسع
لا و سا ا
نافف اللہ ل کا
لا ی
ل م
لا تاح ا
ا واان ب اناا ر
ااط ااو ااخ
ااین اس لا ن
اا واان ب اا ر
ان قابل
ن م
انی لا الا ا
عہاتلاماا ح
اصرا کام ا
االاین ا
ع
لا ارناا ع
صا فاان ا
ولىنا ماتاا اان
نماارح
اا و
ار لان ف
اغ
اناا و ا
ف عاع
ا و ا بہ ا
اقاۃا لان ا لا طا اا مانل م اتح
﴿انی ر ف
کوم ال قا
﴾٪ ۶۸۲ال
Imam Ibn An-Naj’jar has reported in Taarikh e Baghdadi from Hazrat Ibn Ab’bas رضی اللہ عنهما that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, The one who recites Ayat ul Kursi after every Fard Namaaz, Allah
will bless him with the heart of those who are grateful, the deeds
of a Siddique and the rewards of a Nabi (i.e. from the blessings of
the Ambia), and Allah will bestow upon him His Special Mercy,
and nothing can hinder him from Jannat, but when he dies, he will
enter Jannat.
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Imam Baihaqi reported in Sha’bul Imaan from Muhammad ibn Al Dau ibn Al Salsaal Ibn Al Dahmas who narrated from his father who narrated from his grandfather, that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, For the one who recites Ayat ul Kursi after every Namaaz, there
will be nothing between him and his entry into Jannat, but death.
When he passes away, he will enter into Jannat.
Imam Sa’eed bin Mansur Ibn Al Mundhir, Ad Darees, Tabrani, Al-Harawi, and Baihaqi have reported from Ibn Mas’ud that the most blessed verse in the Divine Book of Allah is,
موت وما فی الرض اللہ ل ال ل نوم لہ ما فی السا وم ل تاخذہ سنۃ وا ہو الحی القی ا ہ الا م
علم الاذی یشفع عندہ الا بانہ یعلم ما بین ایدیہم وما خلفہم ول یحیطون ب ہ الا شیء م
ـودہ حفظہما وہو العلی العظیم ـ موت والرض ول یـ ہ السا سی بماشاء وسع ک
Imam Abu Ubaid, Daarimi, Tabrani, Abu Nu’aim and Baihaqi reported from Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud that a person went out, and he met a Jin, and the Jin said to him, will you wrestle with me? If you pin me down, then I will teach you (i.e. I will tell you about) such a verse, that if you read it when entering your house, then shaitaan will not enter that house. So, the human (i.e. the person) dropped and pinned him down in the wrestling match.
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The Jin said, that verse is Ayat ul Kursi. Whosoever recites it when entering his home, shaitaan will flee from his house passing wind, like a donkey. Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud was asked, was that person (who won) Umar ? He replied, It could only have been (Hazrat) Umar . Imam Al Mahaali reported in his Fawa’id from Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud
that a person asked, Ya Rasool’Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم! Inform me of such a thing by which Almighty Allah will grant me benefit. So He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, Recite Ayat ul Kursi. Allah will protect you, your children and your
home, to the extent that He will protect the houses which are
around you.
Imam Ibn Mardawiyah reported from Ibn Ab’bas ضی اللہ عنهما . He says, When the Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم would recite (to us) the closing verse of Surah Baqarah or Ayat ul Kursi, He صلى الله عليه وسلم would smile and say, Both these verses are from the treasures from beneath the Arsh
of Rahmaan.
And when He صلى الله عليه وسلم would recite the verse,
بہ ازجءا ی
و سلامعا ینا م
Whosoever does wrong (i.e. whoever sins),
Will get the retribution for it. [Surah An-Nisa (4), Verse 123]
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He صلى الله عليه وسلم would lower His صلى الله عليه وسلم head and recite,
اا ن ا ا و اا للہ ن ا
اونع لایہ رج ا
To Allah we belong, and to Him Alone will we return.
Imam Ibn Abi Shayba, Abu Ya’la, Ibn Al Mundhir and Ibn Asaakir report from Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan ibn Auf that when he would enter his home, he would blow (i.e. recite Ayat ul Kursi and blow) it in the corners of his home. It has been mentioned in many books of Tafseer that Ayat ul Kursi is the leader of the verses of the Holy Qur’an, i.e. it is full of virtue and a means of great blessings. Imam Baihaqi reports in Sha’bul Imaan from Hazrat Ali that he says,
The leader of the verses of the Holy Qur’an is وم .اللہ ل الہ الا ہو الحی القی
Imam Baihaqi reports from Hazrat Ali that he says, I heard Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, There is nothing but death which can hinder a person who recites
Ayat ul Kursi after every Fard Namaaz, from entering Jannat, and
for the one who recites it on his bed when going to sleep, then by
its blessings, Almighty Allah will protect his house, the house of
his neighbour and the surrounding houses.
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Imam Abu Ubaida, Ibn Abi Shayba, Daarimi, Muhammad bin Nasr and Ibn Ad-Darees have reported from Hazrat Ali . He says, I have not seen such a person who was born into Islam, or who
reached puberty in Islam, and he passes the night, until he recites
this verse وم ہو الحی القی if only you knew how blessed this verse اللہ ل الہ الا
is. This was bestowed upon your Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم from the treasures which
are under the Arsh, and it was not bestowed upon anyone else
before your Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم, and I do not spend a single night without
reciting Ayat ul Kursi thrice. I recite it in the two Sunnats after
Esha Namaaz, and in Witr, and on my bed before I sleep.
Imam Ibn Al Sunni reported from Hazrat Abu Qatadah that Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم said, If Ayat ul Kursi and the closing verses of Surah Baqarah are recited
at the time of any calamity, Allah Almighty will grant assistance
to the reciter.
Imam Ibn Sunni reports in Al Amal Al Yawm Wal Laylah a narration on the authority of Hazrat Ali bin Husain (i.e. Imam Zainul Aabideen) who reported from his father, who reported from his mother Hazrat Faatima رضی اللہ عنها that when it would be near for the children of Sayyidah Faatima رضی اللہ عنها to be born, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah to go to Sayyidah رضی اللہ عنها commanded Hazrat Zainab bint Jahsh صلى الله عليه وسلمFaatima and recite Ayat ul Kursi and, انا رباکم اللہ (until the end of Surah
Al-A’raf, verse 54) and Mu’awwidhatayn (i.e. Surah Falaq and Surah Naas), and blow it over her.
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The complete verse of Surah Al-A’raf verse 54 is as follows:
ۃ تا سا فارض
ال
اموت و
ا الس
الاق خا
ی الا
اللہ
باکم ا
نا ر ا رشاعلا ال ا
وی عا است
ا اایاام ثم
ہ اامر رت ب خا اس ماوم
النج ا
واراقام الا و
اس
م یثا وا الشا ث ا
حہلب
طا یااراہ ی الایلا النا ش
غی
ا ﴿
ی علام
ب ال ا
ر اللہ
اکا تاب
امرال
اق و
ل خا ال ا ﴾۴۵االا ل
Imam Abu Ubaid reported from Salama bin Zaid. He said,
Almighty Allah has not revealed in the Taurat, Injeel and Zaboor
any verse more virtuous than وم .(i.e. Ayat ul Kursi) اللہ ل الہ الا ہو الحی القی
Imam Ibn Ad-Darees reported from Hazrat Hasan that the brother of a person passed away, so he saw his brother in his dream. He asked him, which virtuous deed is more beneficial? The deceased person said, The (recitation of the) Qur’an. He then asked him, which verse of the Holy Qur’an? He said, وم .اللہ ل الہ الا ہو الحی القی
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A CONCISE COMMENTARY OF
AYAT UL KURSI
الا ہو ا
ال ا لا االلہ
Allah (He is). Except for Him,
There is none worthy of worship.
Ayat ul Kursi is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqara. Regarding Ayat ul Kursi it is mentioned in Qurtubi that, it is the leader of the verses of the Holy Qur’an and the biggest verse in the Qur’an. It was revealed at night. Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم called Hazrat Zaid bin Haarith and commanded him to write down, i.e. record, this verse. [Tafseer Qurtubi] It is reported from Hazrat Muhammad bin Hanafiyah that, When Ayat ul Kursi was revealed, all the idols on earth fell over,
and similarly all the kings of the world collapsed (one after the
other), and their crowns fell from their heads. The shaitaans
began to flee. They started to attack one another, and they all
went to Iblees, and informed him of what was happening. He
asked them to go out and investigate what was happening. They
went towards Madina Shareef and they found out that Ayat ul
Kursi had been revealed. [Tafseer Qurtubi]
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This discusses the Oneness of Almighty Allah and Him being the only One worthy of worship. This Ayat (verse) is known as the ‘Ayat ul Kursi’ (i.e. The Verse of The Kursi). Its virtues have been mentioned abundantly in the Ahadith. [Khaza’in ul Irfan] When we talk about Allah being One, it means that, Almighty Allah is ‘One’. He has no partners either in Being, Attributes, Actions, Commands or in Names. Almighty Allah is ‘Waajib ul Wajood’. In other words, His existence is necessary and His non-existence is Muhaal. Almighty Allah is Qadeem, in other words, He has always existed. Another name for this is also Azali, in other words, He will continue to exist. This is also known as ‘Abadi’. Allah Alone is worthy of being Worshipped. [Bahaar] It is our belief that neither is Allah, the father or son of anyone, and nor does He have any wife. Anyone who claims that Allah is the father or son of anyone, or says that Allah has a wife, is an unbeliever. Even, if one considers this to be ‘Mumkin’ (a possibility), he is misguided and a deviant. [Bahaar]
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اح
اال
وم
ی قا ال
He is Himself, The All-Living, The One Who keeps
Everyone (and everything) established.
In other words, Almighty Allah is Waajib ul Wajood (i.e. His Existence is compulsory), and it is He (Allah) Who is the Creator and the Divine Guardian (i.e. Controller) of this world. [Khaza’in ul Irfan]
Imam Ibn Jareer and Ibn Haatim reported from Hazrat Rabi’ that الحی is
that Divine Being (i.e. Allah) for whom there is no end. [Annotation of Durr e Manthur]
Ibn Mujahid says that وم means the Protector, i.e. He Who is القی
Watching over all things. Kalbi has said that it means that He is the Divine Guardian over all that which every person has earned. One view is that it means that He is the Establisher of all commands. Abu Ubaidah says that the meaning of this is that it means that, He Who is All Existing, i.e. with no end. [Annotation of Tafseer e Mazhari] Imam Baidhawi says that it means, Allah is The Divine Protector and Divine Planner of Creation. Imam Jalaalud’deen Suyuti says that it means, The One Who is All Existing (i.e. with no end).
23
Qadi Thana’ullah Paani Pati says, The essence of everything that has been mentioned is that Allah
is He, Who is All Existing (i.e. without end), Who is Himself
Existing, and everything else is existing and established by His
Divine Power. The existence and preservation of anything can
never exist without Him (i.e. without His Divine Will).
Imam Ibn Al Ambaari reported in Al Masaahif from Abu Qatadah
that,
.is that Divine Being (i.e. Allah) for Whom there is no death (i.e الحی
no end) and وم is that Divine Being (i.e. Allah) for Whom is there القی
is no second (i.e. He is existing without any partner). [Annotation of Durr e Manthur] From this also our Aqida and belief is derived as explained by Huzoor Sayyidi Sadrush Shariah in Bahaar e Shariat: Almighty Allah is ‘Hayy’. In other words, Allah is Self Existing, and the lives of everyone and everything is in His Divine Control. He gives life to whomsoever He wills and causes death whenever He wills. [Bahaar] He is Qaadir (has Divine Power) over everything that is possible (Mumkin). There is nothing possible that is out of His Power. [Bahaar]
24
It is reported that while the Battle of Badr was at its climax, Hazrat Ali decided to go to Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and see what He صلى الله عليه وسلم was doing. He says, I found Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم in Sajdah saying, Ya Hayyu Ya Qay’yoom.
He صلى الله عليه وسلم remained in Sajdah making this Tasbeeh until the Muslims
attained victory. [Explanation of Roohul Bayaan] When we perform Zikrullah, we often read Ya Hayyu Ya Qay’yoom as a Tasbeeh. This narration from the explanation of Tafseer Roohul Bayaan clearly explains that when the Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم made Dua or in times of distress of the Ummah, He صلى الله عليه وسلم continuously repeated the blessed words Ya Hayyu Ya Qay’yoom. This is why it is recited as a Tasbeeh in Zikr, so that by virtue of this, our Duas may be accepted and our calamities may be alleviated and so that we may receive Divine Assistance from the Court of Almighty Allah. It is also reported on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ood
that whenever Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم would have any distress (i.e. due to the Ummah), He صلى الله عليه وسلم would recite this,
Ya Hayyu Ya Qay’yoom Bi Rahmatika Astagheeth
25
ن سخذہ
لا ناوم لا تاا وا
اۃ
Neither does He doze, nor does He sleep
This (i.e. to doze or sleep) is a weakness (i.e. defect), and Almighty Allah is free from all weaknesses and defects. [Khaza’in ul Irfan] Imam Adam bin Abi Ayaas, Ibn Jareer, Ibn Abi Haatim, Abush Shaykh and Baihaqi have reported from Hazrat Sayyiduna Ibn Ab’bas رضی اللہ عنهما
that in سنۃ refers to dozing (i.e. sleepiness, to yawn), and نوم refers to
sleep. [Annotation of Durr e Manthur]
Imam Ibn Abi Haatim reports from Hazrat ‘Atiyah that ل تاخذہ سنۃ means
that He is never exhausted (i.e. Allah is free from fatigue and weakness). [Annotation of Durr e Manthur] This verse explains our Aqida regarding Almighty Allah being free from defect and weakness in any way. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah
explains this belief as follows in Bahaar e Shariat, Almighty Allah is All Magnificent and Most Gracious. He is free from all that which has deficiency or defect. In other words, it is ‘Muhaal’, i.e. totally impossible for there to be any deficiency or defect in Allah. Moreover, even that which neither has deficiency nor splendour is
26
‘Muhaal’ for Allah. Allah is free from lies, deceit, distrust, tyranny, ignorance and immodesty etc. These are all absolutely ‘Muhaal’ for Allah. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah further says, To say that He has Qudrat (Power) over lying, in the sense that He
can tell a lie, is to declare a Muhaal (absolutely impossible) to be
Mumkin (possible) and to imply that Almighty Allah has defect.
This, in reality is to reject Almighty Allah.
Huzoor Sadrush Shariah further says,
To think that Almighty Allah’s Qudrat (Divine Power) has a
weakness if He does not have Power over a Muhaal (absolutely
impossible thing) is absolutely baseless. It is not a shortage or
weakness in the Qudrat of Allah. In reality, it is the weakness and
shortage of that Muhaal, that it is not worthy of having
connection with the Divine Qudrat of Allah.
27
ا ف ااماموت و
ا ا ف الس
ا مارض لا
ل
To Him (Alone) belongs everything which is in the skies,
and everything which is in the earth
In this, His Divine Sovereignty, and His Divine Authority and Commands are being mentioned, and in a very eloquent manner, it refutes ‘shirk’ (polytheism). In other words, Who can ever be a partner to Him, whereas the entire universe is His Kingdom? [Khaza’in ul Irfan] The polytheists (Mushrikeen) either worship the stars, which are in the skies, or they worship the seas, mountains, stones, trees, animals or fire, which are in (i.e. on) the earth. So, when the skies and the earth, and everything in it are from Allah’s Creation, then how can they be regarded as being worthy of worship? [Khaza’in ul Irfan] Huzoor Sadrush Shariah while explaining our Aqida regarding Almighty Allah says the following: Neither is Allah, the father or son of anyone, and nor does He have any wife. Anyone who claims that Allah is the father or son of anyone, or says that Allah has a wife, is an unbeliever. Even, if one considers this to be ‘Mumkin’ (a possibility), he is misguided and Bud-Deen.1
28
ع فا
شا یی ذاا الا
ناہ م ن
ذ ا لا ب ا
ہ دان ع
Who is it that can intercede before Him,
Except by His Divine Authorisation?
In this, is the refutation of the Mushrikeen (polytheists), who assumed (thought) that the idols would intercede (on their behalf). They were thus told, that there is no Shafa’at (intercession) for the unbelievers, and in the Court of Allah, none can intercede except for those who have been duly authorised (for this grand position), and those who have been duly authorised, are the Ambia, the Mala’ika and the Mo’mineen. [Khaza’in ul Irfan] In this is the explanation of Almighty Allah’s Divine Magnificence and Greatness, that neither is there any equal to Him or any who can even come near to comparing with Him in any way. Whatever Allah commands, none can intercede or have any say in it, without His Permission. [Tafseer e Mazhari] Here it must be mentioned that the deviants, i.e. budmazhabs misinterpret this verse and say that this proves that none has the power of intercession in the Court of Almighty Allah. They have forgotten that the refutation of intercession through false deities which was done by the kuffar is being refuted in this verse, but on the other hand the glad tidings of permission is being given for the
29
beloveds. Why do the deviants fail to look at the following words, ‘except by His Divine Authorisation’?
In other words, there are those beloveds who are blessed with permission and authorisation to intercede in His Divine Court, and amongst them are the Ambia e Kiraam Alaihimus Salaam and the other beloveds of Allah, and the station of the greatest intercession has been bestowed upon Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah has presented a concise and beautiful discussion on this subject in Bahaar e Shariat. I am presenting it here so that this verse is better understood. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah says, The exalted station of Shafa’at-e-Kubra (Greatest station of intercession) on the day of Qiyaamat is a unique attribute of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Until the Beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم does not open the doors of intercession, none will have the authority to intercede. Actually, all those who wish to intercede will bring their cases before the Prophet .صلى الله عليه وسلم It is only the Beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم who is the true intercessor for the entire creation in the Court of Allah.
30
Huzoor Sadrush Shariah further explains that, This Shafa’at-e-Kubra will be for everyone, in other words, for the believers, unbelievers, the obedient and the sinners, as all of them will be waiting in distress for the reckoning to take place, wishing and hoping that they would rather be thrown into the dungeons of hell so that they may be released from the torment of waiting. Even the unbelievers will be released from this torment and anguish due to the intercession of the Beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Due to this, all people from the beginning right up to the end, including the followers, the believers, unbelievers and hypocrites will all praise the Beloved Nabi This station of Praise is called the ‘Maqaam ul Mahmud’. There are .صلى الله عليه وسلمalso many other levels of intercession. For example, Huzoor صلى الله عليه وسلم will enter many into Jannat without any reckoning. The number of people that are known in this category is four hundred and ninety million. The true amount of people that will enter without reckoning is even more than the figure mentioned. In reality, only Allah and His Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم know the true number. There will also be many who after reckoning will already be condemned to hell. Huzoor صلى الله عليه وسلم will intercede for them and save them from entering hell, whilst His intercession will remove others from the fire of hell. Through His صلى الله عليه وسلم intercession, He صلى الله عليه وسلم will elevate some in status, whilst causing the punishment of others to be reduced. The exalted Station of Intercession has been awarded to the Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم.
31
Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم says,
فاعۃ اعطیت الشا
‘I have been blessed with (The Station) of Intercession’
Almighty Allah says,
نت ممؤ
الاا و
نی م
مؤ
للابکا و
ن ا ر ل ف
غا است
ا و
‘(And O Beloved), Seek forgiveness for the sins of your close
ones, and for the believing men and women in general’
[Surah Muhammad (47), Verse 19]
It is mentioned regarding this verse in Tafseer Khaza’in ul Irfan that, It is the immense Grace of Almighty Allah upon this Ummat, that
He said to Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم that He صلى الله عليه وسلم should seek forgiveness for
them, i.e. for the Ummat; and Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم is the intercessor
and one whose intercession is certainly accepted.
32
ہ فال اا خا
ما و ہ
ی دا اای
یاا با ملامعا ی
He Knows whatever is ahead of them,
And whatever is behind them
This refers to that which is in the past and that which is to happen in the future, or it refers to the world and the hereafter. [Khaza’in ul Irfan]
Imam Ibn Jareer reports from Hazrat Mujahid that, یعلم ما بین ایدیہم means
that Almighty Allah has Divine Knowledge of the eras that have
passed, and وما خلفہم means that Allah is aware of the hereafter as well.
(i.e. Allah is All-Knowing and nothing is hidden from Him). [Annotation of Durr e Manthur] Hazrat Imam Ibn Abi Haatim reports through Ibn Ufi from Ibn Ab’bas
means Allah is aware of all the actions and یعلم ما بین ایدیہم that رضی اللہ عنهما
deeds which they have done, and وما خلفہم means that Allah is aware of
all the deeds which they have ruined. (i.e. Almighty Allah knows whatever they have done, and He knows which they have destroyed). [Annotation of Durr e Manthur] This means that nothing is hidden from Almighty Allah, be it in the past, present or future. Allah is All Knowing and All Aware.
33
ایطون ح
لا ی
ا بشیء و
ن م
ااء اشا ا
لا بم اہ مل ع
And they receive nothing of His Knowledge,
Except for as much as He Wills
It is in Tafseer Khaazin that, He informs (i.e. blesses the knowledge of this) to the Ambia and the Rasools, as to inform people of the unseen is the sign (proof) of their Nubuw’wat (Prophethood). In another verse, Almighty Allah says,
دا ا ااحہ یب ل غا ا
عر ہ
ظول فالا ی
سا رن ان ارتاضی م
لا م ا
He reveals not (anything) of His Unseen Knowledge,
But to His Chosen Rasools. [Surah Jinn (72), Verse 26]
Here Almighty Allah refutes the unbelievers and the evil ones who claim they have knowledge of the unseen, and He confirms that He bestows the knowledge of the unseen to His Beloved Servants. Those who misinterpret the verses of the Holy Qur’an are deserving of the wrath of Allah. There is no doubt that Almighty Allah bestows knowledge of the unseen upon the Ambia e Kiraam. Huzoor Sayyidi Sadrush Shariah presents an excellent discussion on this in Bahaar e Shariat.
34
Huzoor Sadrush Shariah says, Almighty Allah has bestowed the Ambia with Ilm-e-Ghaib, i.e. Knowledge of the Unseen. Every atom in the sky and the earth is before the sight of every Nabi. The knowledge of the unseen which Nabis possess is that which has been bestowed upon them by Almighty Allah. Thus, their knowledge is known as Ilm-e-Ataa’i (knowledge which has been bestowed upon them by Allah) and Ilm-e-Ataa’i is Muhaal for Allah, as none of His Divine Attributes or Divine Splendours are given to Him by anyone but they are all Zaati (His Self Attributes and Splendours). Huzoor Sadrush Shariah further says, This verse of the Holy Qur’an is applicable to those who reject knowledge of the unseen for the Ambia , especially for the Sayyidul Ambia صلى الله عليه وسلم,
ض عاا ببنوفرتاک ا
تب و کض ال
عاا ببون
ن م
ؤ اافات
So do you only believe in some commands of Allah, and reject
some of them? [Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Verse 85] In other words, they accept some verses of the Qur’an and reject the verses of the Holy Qur’an which explain the knowledge of the unseen possessed by the Ambia whereas all the verses regarding Ilm-
35
e-Ghaib, be they the ones supporting or negating it are Haq. The verses which say that Almighty Allah Alone has knowledge of the unseen, refers to Ilm e Zaati (His Divine Self Knowledge) and this is only for Allah, and the verses which refer to the Ilm-e-Ghaib for the Prophets, refers to Ilm-e-Ataa’i (Knowledge which Allah has bestowed upon them) and this is befitting of their excellence. To say that by accepting that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is aware of every particle is to equate his knowledge to that of Allah, is a totally baseless argument, as it will only be regarded as equating it to the Divine Knowledge of Allah if we say that the Prophet has the same knowledge as Allah (Allah Forbid), and none will say this except for an unbeliever. Every atom in the universe will come to an end and the Knowledge of Allah is never ending, if not, it would prove ignorance and ignorance for Allah is Muhaal (absolutely impossible), as Allah is free from ignorance. So, even after presenting an explanation in regards to the distinction between Zaati and Ataa’i, if one still insists on arguing that to accept knowledge of the unseen for the Prophets is to equate their knowledge to the knowledge of Allah; then it must be said that this is clearly contrary to Imaan and Islam because to accept that even though this distinction exists, there will still be equating of (the knowledge of Allah and the Prophets), will make it necessary to say that ‘Mumkin’ and ‘Waajib ul Wajood’ will (Allah Forbid) be regarded as being equivalent, because that which is ‘Mumkin’ is also in existence and the ‘Waajib’ is also existing; whereas to say anything to be equal in ‘Wajood’ (Divine Compulsory Existence of Allah), is clear ‘kufr’ (unbelief) and obvious ‘shirk’ (polytheism).
36
اارض
ال
اموت و
ا الس
ہ ی کرس
اع س
ا و
In His Kursi, are enveloped the skies and the earth
In this verse, Almighty Allah is making known His Divine Excellence. The ‘Kursi’ either refers to His Divine Knowledge and Divine Power, or it refers to the Arsh, or that which is beneath the Arsh, and above the seven skies. It is also possible that this is referring to that which is famously known as the ‘Falaq Al Burooj’ (i.e. The Sphere of the Constellations). [Khaza’in ul Irfan] Regarding the Kursi, i.e. the Base or Pedestal of the Arsh, Imam Ibn Al Mundhir and Ibn Abi Haatim report from Hazrat Ibn Ab’bas رضی اللہ عنهما
that, Even if the seven skies and the seven earths, were to be
spread out, and each were to be attached, i.e. joined to the next,
then too it will not reach the vastness of the Kursi, but this
(compared to the Kursi) is like a ring in the desert.
Hazrat Abush Shaykh reported from Hazrat ‘Ikrama that, The sun
is only one seventeenth of Noor (i.e. light) of the Kursi, and the
Kursi is only one seventeenth of the Noor of the Arsh.
Hazrat Ali and Maqaatil رضی اللہ عنهما have said that, the length of every
pedestal, i.e. leg of the Kursi is equal to the seven skies and
earths, and it is kept in front of the Arsh. [Tafseer Mazhari]
37
ہاا و
اظہم
ف ح
ہــ ـود
الا ی
ا و
یم اظ
ع ال لاع الا و
And it is not burdensome for Him, to watch over them; and
He (Alone) is The (All) Exalted, The (All) Magnificent
This part of the verse explains the exemplary matters related to His Divine Being and Attributes and from this, it is proven that Almighty Allah is ‘existing’ (i.e. present). In Divineness He is One. He is recognised by His Existence. He is Waajib ul Wajood, and everything except Him is existing by His Divine Grace. [Khaza’in ul Irfan] He is free from all forms of transformation, and changes. He is free from all defects. None is a partner to Him in any way. He is the Master of the Universe and All that is within it. He is the One Whose Divine hold Is Divinely Powerful, and None can even move their lips to intercede with Him except by His Permission. He is the Knower of all things. He is aware of the hidden and the apparent things as well. He is aware of the entirety, i.e. the universal and the partial as well. His Divine Control and Power is endless. His reality is beyond the mind and understanding. [Khaza’in ul Irfan] Again from this verse we are able to derive and understand our Aqida concerning Almighty Allah. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah’s important Aqida points will allow us to better understand the message in this verse.
38
Huzoor Sadrush Shariah says,
Almighty Allah’s Knowledge encompasses (i.e. surrounds) everything, whether it is complete or partial, or be it present, possible or totally impossible. In other words, He knew of everything always (Azali), knows of everything currently and always knows everything forever.
Things may change but His Knowledge does not change. He is
aware of the fears and feelings of the hearts. His knowledge is indeed without limits.
He knows everything, be it manifest or hidden. Ilm-e-Zaati
(Divine Self-Knowledge) is His unique Attribute. Any person, who tries to prove Ilm-e-Zaati, be it of manifest or hidden things, for any but Allah, is an unbeliever.
He is the Creator of everything, be it beings or actions.
Everything that has been created has been created by Allah. By the Wasila of The Beloved Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم I pray that Almighty Allah blesses us all with the special blessings and benefits of reciting the Ayat ul Kursi. Aameen.