The Benefits of Ayatul Kursi

Quran embraces in itself immense blessings and benefits. There are certain surahs and ayats in Quran that are of great importance. One of them is Ayatul Kursi which is ayat#255 of Surat Al-Bakara. The reason that Ayatul Kursi is most vital is that it cites the greatness of Allah more than any other ayat does. Ayat Kursi mentions six attributes of Allah that are: the Divine Oneness of Allah Most High, His Life His Knowledge, His Kingdom, His Divine Power, and His Will. Thus it contains the most remembrance of Allah. It is one of the four parts of Quran that are attached to arsh (Allah's Throne) [others being Surat-ul-Fathiha, Ayat no: 18, 19 & 26, 27 of Al-Imran]. There is great benefit on reciting Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer, before sleeping etc, and it protects us from Satan. The following are a few hadith that convey its importance:

UBAYY Bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Abu Mundhir! Do you know which ayat in Allah’s Book is the greatest? I said: ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ The Prophet (PBUH) again said: ‘Do you know which ayat in Allah’s book, according to you, is the greatest?’ I (Abu Mundhir) replied: ‘It is ‘Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum...’’ [2:255] thereupon, the Prophet (PBUH) patted me on the chest and said, ‘Rejoice by your knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!’ (i.e., may this knowledge be a source of respect, honor and benefit to you).” [Sahih Muslim]

It was narrated that Abu Umaamah said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:“Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi immediately after each prescribed prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.” 

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates this (above) Hadith from Rasulallaah (SAW), with the addition that "Whosoever recites it in a house wherein Satan is, he (Satan) will leave."

Abu Hurayrah (Allah be well pleased with him) reports that the Prophet (PBUH) said that Ayatul Kursi is the chief of all verses of the Quran. Anas reports that the Prophet  (PBUH) said that Ayatul Kursi is equal to a quarter of the Quran. Abu Amamah narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said that whomsoever recites Ayat al-Kursi in the night before sleeping, Allah Most High will protect him, his house and the neighboring houses.

According to the Hadith the following are the times when Ayatul Kursi should be recited:
1. After every fard Salaat. (Only thing that will keep us waiting from entering Paradise will be death)
2. Just before sleep. Allah will send Angels to guard us while we are asleep.
3. While leaving the house to go somewhere.
4. When we are in desperate situations.
5. Reciting it on our possessions will bring blessing to it.
6. It will protect our house and children from Satan.