The Reality of Ayat al-Kursi: Tawhid, Life, and Qayyumiyyah
Verse (Al-Baqarah 2:255 – Ayetel Kürsi):
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 (Seat) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not.
And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
Ayat al-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah al-Baqarah, carries the highest truth of tawhid in the Qur’an and has been deeply interpreted in the Risale-i Nur Collection. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi regarded this verse as a concise summary of tawhid, life, and qayyumiyyah, and elaborated on these realities extensively in his works.
The Foundation of Tawhid: “Allah—there is no deity except Him”
The opening phrase of the verse establishes the foundation of tawhid: “Allah—there is no deity except Him.” This expression is a truth frequently emphasized throughout the Risale-i Nur. Especially in the book Shualar (The Rays), the reality of tawhid is explained in detail. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi defines tawhid not only as a statement but also as recognizing the unity of everything in the universe and affirming Allah’s absolute sovereignty.
Life and Qayyumiyyah: “The Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting”
The verse continues with the words “He is the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting (al-Hayy, al-Qayyum).” These attributes express Allah’s power as the One who gives life and sustains all existence. In the Risale-i Nur, particularly in the book Lem’alar (The Gleams), the names “al-Hayy” and “al-Qayyum” are expounded in detail. These Names signify that Allah is the One who continually gives life to everything and maintains their existence. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi explains that these attributes demonstrate how the being and continuity of everything in creation depend entirely upon Allah.
Divinity and Absolute Sovereignty: “To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth”
The phrase “To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth” expresses that Allah is the absolute owner of everything. In the Risale-i Nur, especially in the book Sozler (The Words), Allah’s absolute sovereignty and His ownership of all things are explained in detail. It is emphasized that Allah is the Creator and Master of everything, and that acknowledging this truth forms the foundation of a person’s faith.
Knowledge and Will: “He knows what they do and what they will do”
The phrase “He knows what they do and what they will do” points to Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge. In the Risale-i Nur, particularly in Shualar (The Rays), Allah’s knowledge and will are thoroughly expounded. Bediuzzaman explains that Allah knows everything and that all things occur by His will.
Encompassing Power and Absolute Authority: “His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth”
The phrase “His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth” describes Allah’s power that encompasses all things. In the Risale-i Nur, especially in Lem’alar (The Gleams), Allah’s power and its all-encompassing nature are elaborated in depth. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi emphasizes that Allah’s power surrounds everything and that nothing is beyond His might.
Preservation and Watchfulness: “Guarding the heavens and the earth does not tire Him”
The final phrase of the verse, “Guarding the heavens and the earth does not tire Him,” expresses Allah’s power in preserving and overseeing all things. In the Risale-i Nur, particularly in Sozler (The Words), Allah’s ability to preserve and watch over everything is explained in detail. Bediuzzaman emphasizes that Allah protects all things and that nothing is beyond His power.
Ayat al-Kursi is treated in the Risale-i Nur Collection as a concise summary of tawhid, life, and qayyumiyyah. By interpreting this verse, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi elaborates on Allah’s absolute sovereignty, knowledge, power, and His all-encompassing might. This tafsir serves as an important source for those who wish to deeply understand the truths of faith.
Moreover, the virtues of Ayat al-Kursi are also widely discussed in the Risale-i Nur. Reciting this verse protects a person from all forms of evil, illuminates the heart, and brings one closer to Allah. Therefore, understanding Ayat al-Kursi and applying it to our lives strengthens our faith and purifies our soul.