By: Raheemat Yusuf
A prominent Jewish scholar, Abdullah bin Salam, who lived in Medina during Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time, one day, asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Describe to me your Lord, Who is One, and there is none worthy of worship besides Him.”
- The Revelation
Allah revealed Ayat Al-Kursi (Quran 2:255) in response:
“Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, al-Hayy al-Qayyum…”
- Abdullah’s Amazement
Abdullah bin Salam was stunned by the verse’s beauty and depth. He exclaimed:
“This is the description of the Lord of the Worlds! This is the One Who is One, and there is none worthy of worship besides Him.”
- Conversion to Islam
Deeply moved, Abdullah bin Salam accepted Islam, recognizing the truth of Allah’s message.
- Prophet’s Gladness
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was overjoyed by Abdullah’s conversion, saying: “Abdullah bin Salam is a man of knowledge and understanding.”
Transliteration:
Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, al-Hayy al-Qayyum. La ta’khudhuhu sinatuw wa la nawm. Lahu ma fi al-samawati wa ma fi al-ard. Man dhal-ladhi yashfa’u indahu illa bi-iznihi? Ya’lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum. Wa la yuheetuna bi shay’in min ‘ilmihi illa liman yashaa’. Wa wasi’a kursiyuhu al-samawati wal-ard, wa la ya’uduhu hifdhuhuma wa Huwa al-‘Aliyy al-‘Adheem.
Translation:
Allah, there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot encompass any of His knowledge except what He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation does not tire Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
Significance of Ayat al Kursi:
- Affirms Allah’s Unity and Uniqueness.
- Describes Allah’s attributes.
- Emphasizes Allah’s Dominion.
Lessons from the story:
- Seek knowledge and understanding.
- Recognize Allah’s greatness.
- Embrace the truth.
Benefits of Ayah:
- Protection from harm.
- Forgiveness.
- Increased faith.
- Spiritual growth.
