Ayatul Kursi and 4 Quls: How Special These Verses Are?
When I converted to Islam, I didn’t know any surah of the Quran to recite, I din’t know how to perform namaz correctly and I didn’t have excellent knowledge about ghusl or wudu. I started to make progress in my journey when I moved in with my parents-in-law. Alhamdulillah I’ve been taught so much over the years by them.
One of the most repeated things I heard was about the significance of Ayatul Kursi and 4 Quls (Surah Al-Kafirun, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas). Each one of these surahs is important and brings great value to the lives of Muslims who recite it regularly.
Today, I want to share my personal journey with these powerful verses and how they’ve become an integral part of my daily practice.
Ayatul Kursi and 4 Quls- Early Memories
My mother-in-law was my first teacher when it came to encouraging me to learn Ayatul kursi and 4 quls. She explained that Ayatul Kursi, the Throne Verse, is one of the most powerful verses in the Quran, while the four Quls (Surah Al-Kafirun, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas) serve as essential protection and affirmation of faith.
“These verses are your shield,” she would say, “Recite them with understanding and faith, and Allah will protect you.”
Understanding Their Significance
As I learned more, my curiosity about these verses deepened. I began studying their meanings and the occasions when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) specifically recommended their recitation. Incorporating these verses into my daily routine took time and dedication. I started by reciting Ayatul Kursi and 4 Quls regularly, Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, and 4 Quls in the morning and before going to bed.
We as Muslims believe that reciting Ayatul Kursi and the 4 Quls brings numerous benefits, including protection from evil, blessings from Allah SWT, and forgiveness for sins. These recitations are often part of daily prayers and are also used in times of difficulty or distress.
Ayatul Kursi (The Throne Verse)
Ayatul Kursi, verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, is considered one of the most magnificent verses in the Quran. It describes Allah’s SWT attributes and His supreme authority over all creation.
Translation and Meaning
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining. 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.”
Key Concepts
- Allah’s absolute unity (Tawheed) – This is the central concept in Islam, stating that there is only one God, Allah. This is emphasized throughout the Quran and is the foundation of Islamic belief.
- His eternal nature (Al-Qayyum) – : Allah is self-subsisting and eternal. He is not dependent on anyone or anything, but all of creation is dependent on Him.
- His complete knowledge – Allah is all-knowing. He knows everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen. Nothing is hidden from Him.
- His supreme authority – Allah has complete authority over all things. He is the ultimate ruler and judge.
- His effortless preservation of creation – His effortless preservation of creation: Allah sustains and preserves all of creation without any effort. This is a sign of His infinite power and wisdom.
The 4 Quls
The regular recitation of Ayatul Kursi and 4 Quls provides comprehensive spiritual protection. Let’s examine each of the four Quls:
Surah Al-Kafirun
”Qul ya ayyuhal-Kafiroun. La ‘a-budu ma ta’-bu-doun. Wa la antum ‘abidouna ma ‘a-bud. Wa la ana ‘abidum-ma ‘abadttum. Wa la antum ‘abiduna ma ‘a-bud. Lakum deenukum wa li-ya deen “
O Al-Kafiroun ( disbelievers in Allah)! I worship not that whch you worship, Nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion. “
- Key message: Uncompromising monotheism
- Benefits: Strengthens faith and conviction
Surah Al-Ikhlas
” Qul Huwa-llahu ‘Ahad. Allahus-Samad. Lam Yalid Wa Lam Yulad. Walam Yakul-La-Hu-Kufuwan ‘Ahad “
“He is Allah,(the) One, The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks. He begots not, nor was He begotten; And there is none equal or comparable unto Him.”
- Key message: Allah’s unique attributes
- Benefits: Clarifies Islamic concept of God
Surah Al-Falaq
”Qul ‘A’udhu Bi-Rabbil-Falaq. Min Sharri Ma Khalaq. Wa Min Sharri Ghasiqin ‘Idha Waqab. Wa Min Sharri-Naffathati Fil-‘Uqadi. Wa Min Sharri Hasidin ‘Idha Hasad “
”I seek refuge with ( Allah ), From the evil of what He has created; And from the evil of the darkening ( night ) as it comes with its darkness. And from the evil of the witchcrafts when they blow in the knots, And from the evil of the envier when he envies. “
- Key message: Allah’s protection from visible harm
- Benefits: Protection from worldly dangers
Surah An-Nas
”Qul ‘A’udhu Bi-Rabbin-Nas. Malikin-Nas. Ilahin-Nas. Min-Sharril-Waswasil-Khan-Nas. Al-Ladhi Yuwas-wisu Fee Sudurin-Nas. Mina Al-Jinnati Wan-Nas “
“I seek refuge with (Allah ) the lord of mankind, The king of mankind, The God of mankind, From the evil of the whisperer ( devi l who whispers evil in the hearts of men) , who withdraws ( from his whispering in one’s heart after one remembers Allah ), Who whispers in the breasts of mankind , Of jinns and men.”
- Key message: Seeking refuge from whispers and doubts
- Benefits: Spiritual and psychological protection
Times of Recitation
Recommended Times
- After obligatory prayers
- Before sleeping
- Upon entering/leaving home
- During travel
- In times of fear or anxiety
- Morning and evening
- Before important undertakings
Benefits and Virtues
- Enhanced faith and conviction
- Divine protection
- Spiritual purification
- Strengthened connection with Allah
- Peace of mind
Worldly Benefits
- Protection from harm
- Guidance in decision-making
- Mental clarity
- Emotional stability
- Physical well-being
Prophetic Traditions
Many hadith emphasize the importance of ayatul kursi and 4 quls:
- Recitation after obligatory prayers
- Protection during night and travel
- Safeguarding homes and possessions
- Spiritual healing and well-being
The Power of Understanding
While I had memorized these verses early in life, truly understanding their meanings opened up new dimensions for me. Here’s what I learned about each:
Ayatul Kursi
- Affirms Allah’s absolute authority and power
- Describes His eternal nature and sovereignty
- Emphasizes His knowledge encompassing everything
- Confirms His supreme protection and guardianship
The Four Quls
- Surah Al-Kafirun
- Taught me about unwavering faith and clear boundaries in matters of belief
- Helped me understand the importance of respectful religious coexistence
- Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Crystallized the concept of pure monotheism
- Became my go-to reminder of Allah’s unique attributes
- Surah Al-Falaq
- Offered protection from external evils
- Reminded me to seek refuge in Allah from worldly dangers
- Surah An-Nas
- Protected against internal whispers and doubts
- Strengthened my awareness of unseen spiritual challenges
Travel Companion
During my travels, whether for work or leisure, these verses have been constant companions. Many Muslims know the reciting Ayatul Kursi before leaving home, but I’ve found that combining it with the four Quls provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
In Times of Joy
It’s not just during difficulties that these verses have significance. In moments of joy and success, reciting ayatul kursi and 4 quls helps me maintain gratitude and humility, remembering that all good comes from Allah.
The Impact on Mental Health
One unexpected benefit I’ve discovered is how these verses help manage anxiety and stress. The regular recitation of ayatul kursi and 4 quls has brought clarity and peace to my mind.
Common Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is wudu required for recitation?
Recommended but not mandatory, unless you reading them directly from Quran. - Can they be recited silently?
Yes, both silent and audible recitation are acceptable - Should they be recited in Arabic?
Arabic recitation is preferred, but understanding the meaning is crucial - How often should they be recited?
Regular recitation, especially at recommended times
Conclusion
As I deepen my faith, my appreciation for these verses only deepens. Each recitation brings new insights, and each passing year adds layers of understanding to their meanings. I look forward to continuing this lifelong journey of learning and growing through these powerful words of Allah.
These verses has taught me that true protection and peace come from developing a deep, personal connection with Allah’s SWT words. Whether you’re just beginning to learn about ayatul kursi and 4 quls or have been reciting them for years, their power to transform our imaan is remarkable.
Remember, it’s not just about memorization or routine recitation – it’s about understanding their meanings, implementing their teachings, and allowing them to guide us through life. These verses are indeed a great gift of Allah SWT, offering protection, guidance, and peace to those who turn to them with sincere hearts.
