*Ayatul Kursi* (Arabic: آية الكرسي) is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran. It is one of the most well-known and widely memorized verses in the Islamic world due to its profound meaning and significance. Here is the Arabic text, followed by the English translation:
Arabic Text:
*اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ 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*
English Translation:
*Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] 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.*
Significance:
1. **Protection**: Ayatul Kursi is often recited for protection from evil, both physical and spiritual.
2. **Blessings**: It is believed to bring numerous blessings and mercy from Allah.
3. **Wisdom**: This verse contains profound insights into the nature of God, His power, and His knowledge.
4. **Memory and Recitation**: Many Muslims memorize and recite this verse regularly as part of their daily prayers and supplications.
Ayatul Kursi is highly regarded in Islamic tradition and is often used in various contexts such as prayers for protection, blessings, and during times of difficulty.