Briefly explain the main themes in Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255).

Briefly explain the

importance of these themes in a Muslim's life today.
Themes:
This verse of Surah Al-Baqarah is known as Ayat-ul-Kursi meaning the verse of the Throne.
The main themes here are the Oneness of Allah and that supreme power and authority belong
to Him. He is the exclusive master of the heavens and the earth. He has no partner in His
Attributes. He is Ever-Living, Supporter of the entire universe and All-Knowing. He is free
from weaknesses or limitations that ordinary lives have and He alone is worthy of worship.
None of His creatures can intercede in His affairs of the Kingdom. Oneness of Allah is the
most important subject of Holy Quran. This conception is presented with different styles at
different places in the Quran e.g. Surah Al-Ikhlas describes the Oneness of God in terms of
His absolute Existence i.e. He is alone and has neither father nor any children; He is present
from the beginning and will stay for ever.
Importance in Muslim's Life:
Belief in Oneness of Allah protects a Muslim from shirk. If a Muslim is not a true believer
i.e. his life is not free from shirk, he will not be rewarded paradise in the Hereafter. Muslims
are bound not to associate any partner with Allah in His Existence, Attributes or Worship
otherwise they will commit shirk which is such a heinous crime that Allah never forgives. It
is the greatest of all sins.
When a Muslim believes that his Allah is watching him all the time, he will stop from
committing worldly crimes like theft, robbery, drinking, usury and bribery etc. He will
refrain from all kinds of moral and social evils.
When a Muslim believes that it is only Allah Who has unlimited powers and authority, he
will not seek help from other deities. He will obtain spiritual purity and dignity by bowing
down only before God. Instead of asking the so called holy men or attending shrines for the
solution of his troubles, he will supplicate only to the real source, the Almighty Allah.

This verse also refutes the notion that on the Day of Judgement, prophets, saints and angels
shall wield influence and force Allah to pardon their followers. No intercession will be
granted except with the permission of Allah.
 Hadith
Hadith No.1: “Religion is sincerity” we said “to whom?” the prophet said “to Allah, His
book, His messengers, the leaders of the Muslims and their common people.”

Teachings about what Muslims believe

 This Hadith emphasizes upon the significance of sincerity in doing acts of goodness. Virtue lacking
sincerity holds no importance in the eyes of Allah. This Hadith provides a concise but an accurate
expression of the characteristics of a sound believer.
 The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) by this Hadith, teaches us to follow the faith of Islam fully and with
dedication. He tells us that we must be sincere in the teachings we believe in and in the things we do.
We must live our lives as obedient Muslims to Allah and good members of the community. We should
believe and act according to the discipline of Islam.
 We should not create disturbance in the community but be loyal to its members and leaders. The
Prophet (Peace be upon him) says, “Who so obeys my commander, obeys me and who so disobeys
the commander disobeys me” (Al-Muslim)

How Muslims can put these teachings into action?

 This Hadith highlights the importance of belief in the articles of faith. Muslims should be sincere in all
they do. They should not pretend but follow the teachings of Islam sincerely from within.
 Sincerity to Allah means that it must be admitted beyond any shadow of doubt that the Sole Creator,
Sustainer, Cherisher of this immensely vast universe is no one but Allah, who alone is the Sovereign
Lord, without any partners to share His Attributes and Powers.
 Muslims should obey Allah by following his religion and attributing to Him what he deserves. The
affirmation of his truth covers all obligations and duties that fall upon the shoulder of a man after
submitting his will to the will of Allah.
 Sincerity to the book means to believe in the Quran. It is complete code of life and unchanged. This
book is for all mankind for all times. Muslims must abide by the Quran and recite it with concentration.
Muslims must recite the Quran, think over it, teach others and mould their lives according to its
teachings.
 Sincerity to the prophet means that the Muslims must believe in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as
the last prophet of Allah. They must love and respect him and follow his Sunnah. The Quran says,
“Obey Allah and obey messengers”. (64:10)
 For leaders and rulers it implies that they should be respected and obeyed and given full support in all
affairs which they conduct according to the teachings of Islam and do not deviate from the right path
in their individual and public conduct which could lead to chaos and anarchy.
 As the message of Islam is for all of mankind for all times to come, the last but not the least segment
of faith is that every possible step should be taken to make the life of common people comfortable,
dignified and respectable without regard to color, ethnicity, gender or another such discriminating
forces.