Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Awwal
The First, The One whose Existence is without a beginning.
Tawhid & Tawakkul:
The understanding and belief in the name establishes tawheed (oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Al-Awwal means He was first or is the first. But this does not mean that there was nothing before. Rather the beginning was 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).
(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, and He has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things.) Al-Hadid 57:3
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
It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran
Al-Awwal: The Eternal Source of All Existence
Reflecting on the name Al-Awwal, we delve into the profound realization that Allah is the First, the One whose existence is without a beginning. Al-Awwal signifies that Allah is the origin and source of everything that exists. His existence precedes all creation, and from Him, everything comes into being. This attribute underscores the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah, establishing that He is the eternal foundation of all existence.
The Quran beautifully captures this 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-Awwal fosters a sense of awe and reverence for Allah’s eternal presence and His role as the ultimate source of all creation.
Tawhid and Tawakkul: Trusting in the Eternal
Believing in Al-Awwal reinforces the principles of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and Tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Recognizing that Allah is the First encourages Muslims to place their trust solely in Him. He is the origin of all that exists, and nothing precedes Him. This understanding cultivates a deep sense of reliance on Allah, knowing that He is the ultimate provider and sustainer.
Reflecting on the name Al-Awwal, 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-Awwal and Al-Akhir: The Beginning and the End
The name Al-Awwal naturally implies its counterpart, Al-Akhir (the Last). Together, these names highlight that Allah is both the beginning and the end of all things. This does not mean that Allah has a beginning and an end, but rather that He is the ultimate source and the final destination of all creation. Everything begins with Allah and ultimately returns to Him.
This understanding is beautifully illustrated in the Quran and serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. Reflecting on Al-Awwal and Al-Akhir, Muslims are encouraged to live their lives with the awareness that they will return to Allah. This perspective fosters a sense of purpose and accountability, guiding believers to live in accordance with Allah’s commands and striving for His pleasure.
The Quran emphasizes this in Surah Al-Ankabut (العنكبوت):
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 journey begins and ends with Allah, encouraging believers to maintain a strong connection with their Creator throughout their lives.
The Practical Implications of Al-Awwal
Understanding and reflecting on the name Al-Awwal 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 goodness and guidance. This realization fosters a sense of gratitude and humility, as believers acknowledge that everything they have comes from Allah.
Moreover, Al-Awwal inspires Muslims to seek Allah’s guidance in all aspects of their lives. Knowing that Allah is the first 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.
In conclusion, the name Al-Awwal 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-Awwal, 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 source of all existence.