AAYATUL KURSI
Nabi (S.A.W) asked Ubay Bin Kab (R.A), “O Abaa Munzir! Do you know which is the greatest verse of the Book of Allah (S.W.T)?” Ubay Bin Kab (R.A) answered, “
(ALLAH IS SUCH THAT BESIDES HIM THERE IS NO DEITY, HE IS EVER LIVING, THE MAINTAINER OF EVERYTHING. NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP OVERCOMES HIM. TO HIM BELONGS ALL THAT IS IN THE SKIES AND ALL WITHIN THE EARTH. WHO IS THERE THAT CAN INTERCEDE BEFORE HIM WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION? (NONE CAN DO THIS!) HE KNOWS WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR HIS CREATION AND WHAT IS BEHIND THEM WHILE THEY POSSESS NONE OF HIS KNOWLEDGE EXCEPT WHAT HE TEACHES THEM. HIS THRONE EXTENDS OVER THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH AND HE NEVER TIRES LOOKING AFTER THEM. HE IS THE MOST HIGH, THE MOST SUPREME.)
On hearing the answer of Ubay Bin Kab (R.A), Nabi (S.A.W) patted the chest of Ubay Bin Kab (R.A) and made Duaa for Ubay Bin Kab (R.A), “O Abaa Munzir! May the attainment of beneficial knowledge be easy for you.” (MUSLIM) Ubay Bin Kab (R.A) was given the title ‘Qaari ul Ummah’ (The most learned Quraanic scholar of the Ummah).
Once, Abu Huraira (R.A) was entrusted to the Sadaqatul Fitr disbursed by the Muslims in Ramadhaan. Without consent, a person began taking from the food collections. Abu Huraira (R.A) caught him and threatened to report him to Rasulillah (S.A.W). Immediately, the captive pleaded, “I am in desperate need and I have a family to support.” On hearing the voice of a needy person, a compassionate Abu Huraira (R.A) spared him. In the morning, Rasulullah (S.A.W) asked Abu Huraira (R.A), “O Abaa Huraira! Last night, what did your captive do?” After Abu Huraira (R.A) narrated what transpired, Nabi (S.A.W) said, ”He lied to you. He will soon return.” Without doubt, the thief returned and began stealing. Waiting in eagerness, Abu Huraira (R.A) got hold of his hand. Caught red-handed, the thief promised he would not return. The thief is set free with anticipation that he would not return. The following morning, Nabi (S.A.W) asked Abu Huraira (R.A), “Last night, what did your captive do?” After Abu Huraira (R.A) narrated the thief’s desperation and promise to never return, Nabi (S.A.W) said, “He lied to you. He will soon return.” The third night, with conviction in the words of Rasulillah (S.A.W), Abu Huraira (R.A) waited. When the thief began to steal again, Abu Huraira (R.A) caught him and exclaimed, “This is the third and final time. You promised that you would not return and you returned!” The thief answered,” Let me go! I will teach you such words through which Allah will grant you great merit. Abu Huraira (R.A) asked, ”What are those words?” The Thief replied, “When you retire to bed, recite Aayatal Kursi. The entire night, Allah will remain in your protection and no Shaytaan will be able to come close to you.” Hearing this proposal, Abu Huraira (R.A) set him free. In the morning, Nabi (S.A.W) asked Abu Huraira (R.A), “Last night, what did your captive do?” Abu Huraira (R.A) narrated the thief’s proposal and special merit. Nabi (S.A.W) said, “Despite being a great liar, the thief has spoken the truth. O Abaa Huraira! Do you know who you were conversing with in the last three nights?” After a negative answer from Abu Huraira (R.A), Nabi (S.A.W) said, “That was Shaytaan!” (BUKHARI)
This is a simple deed with great merit. How can we make this virtuous deed part of our nightly schedule?
MOULANA AZHAR LAHER
