Is what’s said about the virtues of Ayat al-Kursi—its status, time of revelation, and its role in repelling devils and protecting the reciter—accurate?

Ayat al-Kursi is the greatest verse in the Book of Allah because it encompasses fundamental Divine Names and Attributes. Many authentic hadiths, as well as weak and fabricated ones, have been narrated regarding its virtues. The narration stating that it contains more than 17 names is only valid if pronouns are counted; otherwise, it correctly contains five names: Allah, Al-Hayy (the Ever-Living), Al-Qayyum (the Self-Sustaining), Al-Ali (the Most High), and Al-Azim (the Most Great).

Engaging with it through recitation, contemplation, and action is sound, as stated in the hadith: "Indeed, Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it." However, its description as the mistress of the Quranic verses, or that it contains fifty words, with fifty blessings in each word, or that it equals one-third of the Quran, or that idols fell and devils fled upon its revelation, is not authentic.

Reciting it is a reason for the protection of one's home and self from Satan, as mentioned in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah with Satan. It is also a reason for entering Paradise for whoever recites it after every prayer, and it provides security for oneself and one's neighbor if recited before sleep.

It has a tongue and lips that sanctify the King by the leg of the Throne, as mentioned in the hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka'b. Its revelation at night is not mentioned in authentic hadiths.