"God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Neither slumber overtakes Him nor sleep. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth. Who is there who may intercede with Him save by His leave? He knows that which is before them and that which is behind them. And they encompass nothing of His Knowledge, save what He wills, His Pedestal embraces the heavens and the earth. Protecting them tires Him not, and He is the exalted, the Magnificent."
Quran 2:255
As Nasr tells us, "This verse is known as Ayat al-Kursi, the 'Pedestal Verse,' sometimes rendered 'Throne Verse,' and is perhaps the most well known single verse in the Quran, taking its name from the Pedestal (kursi) mentioned in it. It is often recited by Muslims setting out on a journey or seeking either spiritual or physical protection; and like the short surahs toward the end of the Quran, it is often one of the first passages Muslims memorize." (p. 110) It's not difficult to see why this verse is so popular, even if you're not a Muslim. In beautiful language it speaks to the omnipotence and omniscience of God. That said, we did understand that God was powerful, as gods tend to be. Instead, I'm drawn to this verse by the line, "Protecting them tires Him not . . ." I would argue that what is most important is the compassion of God as compared to the raw power of God.
Quran 2:255
As Nasr tells us, "This verse is known as Ayat al-Kursi, the 'Pedestal Verse,' sometimes rendered 'Throne Verse,' and is perhaps the most well known single verse in the Quran, taking its name from the Pedestal (kursi) mentioned in it. It is often recited by Muslims setting out on a journey or seeking either spiritual or physical protection; and like the short surahs toward the end of the Quran, it is often one of the first passages Muslims memorize." (p. 110) It's not difficult to see why this verse is so popular, even if you're not a Muslim. In beautiful language it speaks to the omnipotence and omniscience of God. That said, we did understand that God was powerful, as gods tend to be. Instead, I'm drawn to this verse by the line, "Protecting them tires Him not . . ." I would argue that what is most important is the compassion of God as compared to the raw power of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment