Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing from the foodstuff. I caught him and said, "I will take you to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!" Then Abu Huraira described the whole narration and said: That person said (to me), "(Please don't take me to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you.) When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi, (2.255) for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn." (When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard the story) he said (to me), "He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan."
Virtues of the Qur'an - Sahih al-Bukhari 5010
This narration from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) contains profound wisdom regarding the spiritual protection afforded by reciting Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse). The thief in this account, who was actually Satan in human form, revealed a true spiritual secret despite his deceptive nature.
The Nature of Spiritual Protection
When Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) confirmed that "he told you the truth although he is a liar," this demonstrates how Allah sometimes permits truth to emerge from unlikely sources for the benefit of believers. The continuous protection until dawn signifies Allah's complete guardianship over those who seek refuge in His words.
Significance of Ayat al-Kursi
Ayat al-Kursi (Qur'an 2:255) is the greatest verse in the Qur'an, containing the essence of Allah's sovereignty, knowledge, and power. Its recitation creates divine protection because it affirms Allah's absolute authority over all creation, thereby repelling Satan who flees from such declarations of divine majesty.
The practice of reciting this verse before sleep has been established through this authentic narration, providing believers with both physical and spiritual security through the night, under Allah's direct protection.