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
Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither slumber 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.
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-idhnihi. Ya'lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum. Wa la yuhituna bi shay'im-min 'ilmihi illa bima sha'. Wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-ard. Wa la ya'uduhu hifdhuhuma. Wa huwal-'Aliyyul-'Adhim.
When to Read
Recite Ayat al-Kursi once after every obligatory prayer, and also once in the morning and once in the evening. For evening protection specifically, reading it before sleeping is highly recommended. The intention is to seek Allah's protection throughout the night, keeping Shaytan and any harm at bay until morning.
How to Read
Recite it with sincerity and conviction, understanding its profound meaning. Focus on the attributes of Allah mentioned and the immense power and scope of His dominion. Reflect on the protection that comes from acknowledging His lordship over all things. It's a moment of connecting with your Creator, seeking His shield and care.
Virtues & Benefits
The recitation of Ayat al-Kursi offers immense protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi at the time of evening prayer, he will be protected by me, and Shaytan will not be able to approach him or come near him until the morning.' (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Sahih). Another narration states that reciting it when going to bed will result in Allah appointing a guard for you who will not let Shaytan come near you all night (Sahih al-Bukhari 5010). It is also considered the greatest verse in the Quran due to the divine attributes it encompasses.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi at the time of evening prayer, he will be protected by me, and Shaytan will not be able to approach him or come near him until the morning." (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Sahih). In another narration reported by Sahih al-Bukhari (5010), Abu Huraira said: "Allah appoints a guard for me from among the angels who guards me while I sleep. So, reciting Ayat al-Kursi in bed makes Allah appoint guards to protect you throughout the night."