Al-Awwal

Al-Awwal: Details

Al-Awwal Meaning & Definition 

Al-Awwal (ٱلأَوَّلُ) is the 73rd of the 99 names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. By dictionary, it means "The First," "The Pre-Exisiting,” or “The Ever Existing.” The root of the Arabic word, Al-Awaal, is (أ و ل), which means “The First,” “The Ever Existing,” “Pre-Existing,” and “The Principal.” Other meanings of this word may be “the One on Whom all others Rely”, “to be the First part” or “to be the Foremost”. The 73rd name of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ Al-Awwal means that He is the One Who was there when nothing existed. He is the creator of the entire Universe. Together with the following name of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, Al-Aakhir, it reflects that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the First and the Last; he was there when none other existed and He will be there when none other will be there.  He got into existence from absolutely nothing.  

Al-Awwal – The One Whose Existence is Without Beginning

Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ was and is the First and the Foremost. Everything got its existence from Him. 3rd verse of Surah Al-Hadeed describes this concept.

هُوَ ٱلْأَوَّلُ وَٱلْـَٔاخِرُ وَٱلظَّـٰهِرُ وَٱلْبَاطِنُ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

He is the First and the Last, the Most High and Most Near,1 and He has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things. (Quran 57:1)

It also supports the concept of Oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, the concept of Tauheed. The name Al-Awwal, together with Al-Aakhir reminds us that only Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ deserves worship, as He is forever and He is the Only Who caused this entire world to come into existence. That further means that one should only rely on Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ for all their needs. 

Al-Awwal – The Concept of “the First” and “the Last”

Most Scholars recommend reciting both the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, Al-Awwal, and Al-Aakhir, collectively, as it gives a more precise understanding of the Oneness and ever-existence of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. So, Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the First and the Last. But it does not imply that His existence has an end. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is ever-existing. Being the First and the Last only means that he created everything, and everything will end by His Command and Will. So, Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ was there before anything and will be there even after the end of everything. 

The renowned scholar Iman Ghazali narrates this concept as: "So He is last with respect to wayfaring [there is nothing that will succeed him], and first with respect to existence: the first beginning was from Him; and to Him is the last return and destination.”

The 156th verse of Surah Al-Baqrah supports this concept: 

ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌۭ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ

Translation - who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.”

Significance of Al-Awwal

All the 99 names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ sufficiently cover all the aspects of our lives, here and hereafter. The attributes associated with each name of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ encompasses various aspects of our life, such as the name Al-Awwal reminds us the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and the concept of Tauheed, which inspires us and strengthens our Imaan (Faith).

The name Al-Awwal describes the most important and unique attribute of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, which forms the base of the Islamic theology, the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, the monotheism. The name reflects that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the First and that He existed even before the creation of anything. He is the Creator of the entire Universe. When recited along with the following name (Al-Aaakhir), it reminds us that Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the only One Who is ever-existing. Reciting the two names collectively are a rich source of strengthening our Faith in Tauheed.

Reciting any of the 99 names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is a praising Him. Recitation of Al-Awwal bears vast rewards and benefits. It reminds us of the uniqueness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and simultaneously strengthens our Imaan (faith). Hence, it should be recited frequently, especially when refreshing your faith. However, we should also make it a part of our daily routine to recite it along with all the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ .

Al-Awwal - Tasbih

Recitation of the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ in itself, is a worship and Zikr. Hence reciting them is not restricted; it can be done anytime, anywhere. While it is even better to recite all names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ collectively, reciting one name at a time, such as Al-Awwal together with Al-Aakhir is equally beneficial and well-rewarded by Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ.

There is no restriction on when or how many times to recite Al-Awaal. However, some traditions about its recitation are commonly practiced among Muslims. Per that reciting Al-Awwal 84 times after every prayer brings you a baby boy. Another tradition is that reciting it 1000 times on 40 Fridays can help get a child (for those who don't have any). The third tradition is about the safe return of a traveler to his hometown if he recites it 1000 times on a Friday while traveling away from his home.

Incorporating the Name Al-Awwal into Daily Life

Each of the names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has an impact on our life. Every name bears different attributes of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, which causes an inspiration for strengthening our Imaan and following the righteous path. It also reminds us of the different norms and teachings of Islam. Collectively, all these names cover the entire life pattern of a person in this world and the life hereafter. Particularly reciting the name Al-Awwal profoundly impacts one’s Imaan (Faith). Hence, regular recitation of this name will enhance the faith in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ.

Al-Awwal - Naming Children

There are several such names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, which are commonly taken as the name of our children. The name Al-Awwal, though not so commonly adopted as a child's name, is still used in various parts of the Muslim Community, such as Awwal Khan. However, care must be exercised while using the name of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ as the name of a child; the respect and honor of the name must be kept in mind. The most important thing is that the traits of the name of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ must reflect in the practical life of a person. So be very careful to use the sacred names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ as the name of your children.

Names of Allah with the Same Meaning as Al-Awwal

The name Al-Awwal reflects the very unique attribute of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, being the First and the Foremost. The same attribute is also reflected in some other names of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, such as Al-Akhir, Al-Baqi, Al-Muheet, Al-Qayyum, As-Samad, Al-Wahid, Al-Warith, and Al-Wasi. 

More Mentions from the Quran & Hadith about Al-Awwal

The concept of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, being the First and ever-existing, is explained in the 60th Verse of Surah Al-Waqiya as under.

نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ

Translation - We have ordained death for ˹all of˺ you, and We cannot be prevented

It reflects the Authority of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, being the Only One Who affects the birth and death of a person but He Himself is Ever-Existing. 

For those who have a curious mind and can’t believe the ever-existence of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, the verse number 51 of Surah Al-Ankaboot provides the guidance and warning. 

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةًۭ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍۢ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Translation - Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book, ˹which is˺ recited to them. Surely in this ˹Quran˺ is a mercy and reminder for people who believe.

Hadith, appearing in serial 134a in Sahi Muslim, narrates the Ever-Existence of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰas under.

لاَ يَزَالُ النَّاسُ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ حَتَّى يُقَالَ هَذَا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ فَمَنْ خَلَقَ اللَّهَ فَمَنْ وَجَدَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ شَيْئًا فَلْيَقُلْ آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Translation - It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, Men will continue to question one another till this is propounded: Allah created all things but who created Allah? He who found himself confronted with such a situation should say: I affirm my faith in Allah.

Another Hadith in Sahi Al-Muslim, as quoted at serial number 2713a, further explains and narrates the concept of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ being the First and Ever-Existing, as under.

حَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، قَالَ كَانَ أَبُو صَالِحٍ يَأْمُرُنَا إِذَا أَرَادَ أَحَدُنَا أَنْ يَنَامَ أَنْ يَضْطَجِعَ عَلَى شِقِّهِ الأَيْمَنِ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبَّ الأَرْضِ وَرَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ رَبَّنَا وَرَبَّ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَالِقَ الْحَبِّ وَالنَّوَى وَمُنْزِلَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَالإِنْجِيلِ وَالْفُرْقَانِ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهِ اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الأَوَّلُ فَلَيْسَ قَبْلَكَ شَىْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الآخِرُ فَلَيْسَ بَعْدَكَ شَىْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَىْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَىْءٌ اقْضِ عَنَّا الدَّيْنَ وَأَغْنِنَا مِنَ الْفَقْرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَكَانَ يَرْوِي ذَلِكَ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏

Translation - Suhail reported that Abu Salih used to command us (in these words): When any one of you intends to go to sleep, he should lie on the bed on his right side and then say:" O Allah. the Lord of the Heavens and the Lord of the Earth and Lord of the Magnificent Throne, our Lord, and the Lord of everything, the Splitter of the grain of corn and the datestone (or fruit kernal), the Revealer of Torah and Injil (Bible) and Criterion (the Holy Qur'an), I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of every- thing Thou art to sieze by the forelock (Thou hast perfect control over it). O Allah, Thou art the First, there is naught before Thee, and Thou art the Last and there is naught after Thee, and Thou art Evident and there is nothing above Thee, and Thou art Innermost and there is nothing beyond Thee. Remove the burden of debt from us and relieve us from want." Abu Salih used to narrate it from Abu Huraira who narrated it from Allah's Apostle (ﷺ).

So, the concept of the Ever-Existence of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is sufficiently evidenced and supported by the Quran and Hadith, as referred to above.