15/ The Virtue of the Throne Verse, Surah al-Ikhlās, and Other Surahs

We continue our discussion of the superiority of certain surahs and verses of the Quran. We previously addressed some of what has been related concerning the virtue of Surah al-Fātiha, which is unquestionably the finest and greatest surah of the Quran.

It is authentically reported from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—that the greatest verse in the Noble Quran is the Throne Verse. In Sahīh Muslim, Ubayy ibn Kaʿb—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Abū al-Mundhir, do you know which verse of Allah’s Book that you know is the greatest?” He said: “I replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He again asked, ‘Abū al-Mundhir, do you know which verse of Allah’s Book that you know is the greatest?’ I replied, ‘Allah—there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.’ He then struck me on the chest and said, ‘By Allah, may knowledge bring you joy, Abū al-Mundhir!’”1 That is, may knowledge be a source of delight to you.

This noble verse attained such a lofty rank because of the momentous truths it conveys regarding the affirmation of Allah’s oneness, His glorification, praising Him in the finest terms, and the majestic and perfect attributes ascribed to Him. It contains five of Allah’s names and more than twenty attributes of the Lord—glorified and exalted. In this respect, it encompasses what no other verse in the Quran encompasses. Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyya—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “There is not a single verse in the Quran that contains what the Throne Verse contains. Allah mentions several verses at the beginning of Surah al-Hadīd and at the end of Surah al-Hashr—not a single verse.”2