Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Akhir
The Last. The One whose Existence is without an end.
The understanding and belief in the name establishes tawheed (oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Al-Akhir means He was last or is the last. Rather the beginning was Him and the end is Him. He exists without a beginning and is the source from which everything comes into existence. From this name, we see how He is from ever and forever, and He is never absent and always present. It is a reminder we should rely upon Him alone (the concept of tawakkul).
The First & The Last:
Al-Awwal also implies an opposite. If there is a first, then there must be a last, and this is the name Al-Akhir. This does not mean that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has a beginning and an end. Instead, it tells us He is the start, and He is the end. It’s the race of life; we start with Him and return to Him.
(هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ) الحديد 57 : 3
(He is the First and the Last, the Most High and Most Near,1 and He has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things.) Al-Hadid 57:3
It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran
Al-Akhir: The Eternal Presence Beyond Time
Reflecting on the name Al-Akhir, we gain a profound understanding of Allah as the Last, the One whose existence is without end. Al-Akhir signifies that Allah is the ultimate conclusion of all things, the final destination towards which everything in existence is moving. His eternal nature underscores the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah, establishing that He is both the origin and the final end. This attribute reminds us that while everything else in creation is finite and transient, Allah’s existence is infinite and eternal.
The Quran beautifully captures this concept in Surah Al-Hadid (الحديد):
هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
“He is the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near, and He has perfect knowledge of all things.” (57:3)
This verse highlights Allah’s unparalleled nature, emphasizing that He is both the beginning and the end. Understanding Al-Akhir fosters a sense of awe and reverence for Allah’s eternal presence and His role as the ultimate conclusion of all existence.
The Cycle of Life: Beginning with Al-Awwal and Ending with Al-Akhir
The name Al-Akhir naturally complements Al-Awwal (the First). Together, these names highlight the cyclical nature of existence, where everything begins with Allah and ultimately returns to Him. This does not imply that Allah has a beginning and an end; rather, it tells us that He is the start and the end of all creation. Reflecting on this, we understand that our lives are a journey that starts and ends with Allah.
This concept is eloquently expressed in Surah Al-Baqarah (البقرة):
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
“Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.” (29:57)
This verse reinforces the idea that our ultimate return is to Allah, encouraging believers to live their lives with the awareness that they will be accountable to their Creator. Understanding Al-Akhir reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah, as He is the one to whom we will ultimately return.
Trusting in Al-Akhir: Relying on Allah’s Eternal Wisdom
Believing in Al-Akhir reinforces the principles of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and Tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Recognizing that Allah is the Last encourages Muslims to place their trust solely in Him. He is the final refuge, the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. This understanding cultivates a deep sense of reliance on Allah, knowing that He is the eternal presence who will always be there.
Reflecting on the name Al-Akhir, we are reminded that Allah is always present, never absent. This eternal presence reassures believers that they can turn to Allah at any time, confident in His support and guidance. The concept of Tawakkul is beautifully encapsulated in the Quran, encouraging believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom and plan.
Al-Akhir: The Endurance of Divine Guidance
Understanding and reflecting on the name Al-Akhir has practical implications for a Muslim’s life. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Allah, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all guidance and wisdom. This realization fosters a sense of gratitude and humility, as believers acknowledge that everything they have comes from Allah.
Moreover, Al-Akhir inspires Muslims to seek Allah’s guidance in all aspects of their lives. Knowing that Allah is the Last and eternal presence encourages believers to turn to Him in prayer, seeking His support and wisdom in every decision. This reliance on Allah strengthens faith and provides a solid foundation for navigating the challenges of life.
The Quran emphasizes this in Surah Al-Ikhlas (الإخلاص):
قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (112:1-4)
This Surah succinctly captures the essence of Allah’s uniqueness and eternal nature, reinforcing the principle of Tawhid. By integrating the understanding of Al-Akhir into daily life, Muslims are reminded to remain steadfast in their faith, uphold monotheism, and live in a manner that reflects their devotion to the One true God.
In conclusion, the name Al-Akhir offers profound insights into Allah’s eternal and unparalleled nature. It reinforces the principles of Tawhid and Tawakkul, encouraging believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom and guidance. By reflecting on Al-Akhir, Muslims can deepen their connection with Allah, live with purpose and accountability, and seek His support in all aspects of their lives. This divine name serves as a reminder of Allah’s eternal presence and His role as the ultimate conclusion of all existence.