By Harun Rasaq

Ayatul Qursiyy (verse of stool) is in Suratul Baqara (Qur‘an chapter two verses 255). The verse is used for several purposes, and one of it is for seeking divine protection from all evils, a verse which is relevant all the time most especially during this period when the worlds at large and Nigeria in particular is facing problem of security.

This problem (of security) has generated concern for well meaning Nigerians, for example last week the National Assembly expressed their concern on the state of security in Nigeria.

Consequently, in an attempt to solve this problem, a lot of Muslims has resolved to ways and meanse that contravene the teachings of Islam and Shariah and yet the problem is not solved. Whereas Islam has proffered solution to this problem through many ways and one of it is Ayatul Qursiyy. The evidence of using the verse to seek protection is contained in Hadith, statement of the Sahabah and Islamic scholars.

Its importance include the following (1) The verse was described by Prophet (SAW) as the greatest verse in the Qur’an as contained in Hadith related by Ubayy bin ka’b (Abu munthir). (2) The verse contained the perfect attribute of Allah which other creature such as Angel, man, Jinn, lack e.g Allah, al-Hayy, al-Qayyum, al- Alliy, al-azim. (3) If recited, the person will be protected from the evil of shayatin as contained in the Hadith reported by Abu Hurayrah (RA). (4) The believer who recites it following an obligatory Salah, is under the care and protection of Allah until the commencement of the next Salah.

(Tabarani’s At-Targhib wat-Tarhiib 2:435) (5) The one who recites it after each of the obligatory Salah, then death will be the only barrier from entering al-Jannah.(Shaykh  Muhammad Salih Al- ‘Uthaymiin Tafseer Ayatul Qursir& Uses) (5) Shaykh-Islam Ibn Taymiya said: “There is no single verse in the Qur’an which includes that which is comprised in ayatul Qursiy etc.

USES OF AYATUL QURSIY: It is recommended to recite the verse in the following instances: (1) After each of the obligatory Salats. (2) Morning and evening as azkar. (3) When one is about to sleep. (4) When leaving the house. (5) While riding on transportation. (6) When experiencing any type of fear. (7) For relieve from evil attack (8) For cure from sickness etc.