Al-Awwal

Al-Awwal

Explanation

Among the many names of ALLAH, “Al-Awwal” (الأول) stands out for its profound theological and philosophical implications. Translated as “The First,” this name encapsulates the concept that ALLAH is the absolute beginning of all that exists, without any predecessor or origin. In Islamic thought, this attribute is not merely chronological but points to the unique, uncreated, and eternal nature of ALLAH.

Understanding the Name “Al-Awwal”

  1. Etymology and Basic Meaning:

    • The Arabic term “Al-Awwal” comes from the root word “’awwal,” which means “first” or “primary.” Unlike temporal beginnings in the created world, ALLAH being “Al-Awwal” signifies that He is not bound by time. There was no “before” Him in any sense of creation or existence.
    • This name highlights that ALLAH is the necessary and independent cause of everything else. He exists by His own nature, without having been created or preceded by anything.

  2. Beyond Temporal Limitations:

    • In human experience, “first” implies an order in time. However, when applied to ALLAH, “Al-Awwal” transcends the usual sequential understanding. It denotes His eternal presence outside the confines of time and space, affirming that no entity, event, or moment can predate Him.

  3. Implications for Divine Transcendence:

    • By describing ALLAH as “Al-Awwal,” Islamic theology emphasizes His absolute and incomparable nature. Unlike the created order, which has beginnings and endings, ALLAH’s existence is self-sufficient and infinite. This reinforces the belief in His uniqueness and His status as the ultimate, uncaused cause.

Exegesis and Scholarly Insights

  1. Tafsir Perspectives:

    • Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir al-Jalalayn:
      Classical commentators explain that “Al-Awwal” points to ALLAH’s preexistence before any creation. There is an inherent assertion in this attribute: nothing exists outside of His will or before His eternal presence.
    • Philosophical Interpretations:
      Islamic scholars have long debated the nature of existence. In the framework of kalam (Islamic theology), ALLAH’s designation as “Al-Awwal” means that He is the Necessary Existent—one whose existence does not depend on any external cause. This contrasts with the contingent nature of the universe, which began to exist through a chain of causes, ultimately rooted in the Divine.

  2. Implications for the Concept of Time:

    • Since ALLAH is beyond time, the terms “first” and “last” should be understood as markers of His transcendence rather than literal temporal indicators. This attribute is meant to guide believers toward an understanding of ALLAH as the ultimate reality, one who is not limited by the temporal sequence that governs all other beings and events.

  3. Unity and Completeness:

    • The pairing of “Al-Awwal” with “Al-Akhir” in the Quran (57:3) underlines the completeness of ALLAH’s nature. He is the Alpha and the Omega—the starting point of existence and the final reality to which all creation returns. This comprehensive nature reinforces the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of ALLAH), emphasizing that all aspects of existence are encompassed within His eternal and unchanging essence.

Theological and Philosophical Implications

  1. Divine Eternity and Independence:

    • By declaring Allah as “Al-Awwal,” Islamic theology affirms that He is eternal, without a beginning. This rejects any notion of temporal causality or sequence when it comes to the Divine. ALLAH’s existence is self-sufficient (Badi’) and independent of any created entity.

  2. Foundation for the Concept of Creation:

    • Understanding ALLAH as the first is foundational to the Islamic worldview of creation. Everything that exists does so by His command. Since there is no pre-existing substance or force that is independent of Him, all creation is seen as a manifestation of His will and creative power.

  3. Reflection in Worship and Devotion:

    • For believers, recognizing Allah as “Al-Awwal” reinforces the idea that He is the ultimate source of all beginnings and the wellspring of all existence. This awareness nurtures a deep sense of humility and reliance on the Divine, encouraging worship that acknowledges ALLAH’s absolute primacy and sovereignty over all creation.

Final Reflections

The name Al-Awwal is a profound reminder of ALLAH’s eternal and unchanging nature. It emphasizes His role as the Originator of all creation and reinforces the concept of His oneness and supremacy. By reflecting on this name, believers can deepen their understanding of ALLAH’s attributes and strengthen their faith and reliance on Him.

Quran References

The name Al-Awwal is mentioned explicitly in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid (57:3):

Arabic:
هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Translation:
“He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is, of all things, Knowing.”

Explanation:
This verse explicitly mentions ALLAH as Al-Awwal (The First), affirming that He is the Eternal without beginning. It also describes Him as Al-Akhir (The Last), Az-Zahir (The Manifest), and Al-Batin (The Hidden), emphasizing His eternal nature, His presence in all creation, and His transcendence beyond human comprehension.

Other Quranic References Related to Al-Awwal:

While the name Al-Awwal is explicitly mentioned in Surah Al-Hadid (57:3), there are other verses in the Quran that allude to the concept of ALLAH being the First and the Originator of all things:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:117):

Arabic:
بَدِيعُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ

Translation:
“Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”

Explanation:
This verse highlights ALLAH’s role as the Originator (Badi’) of the heavens and the earth, which aligns with His name Al-Awwal (The First). It underscores His power to bring things into existence simply by His command, reinforcing His eternal and supreme nature.

Surah Al-An’am (6:101):

Arabic:
بَدِيعُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ تَكُن لَّهُ صَاحِبَةٌ ۖ وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Translation:
“Originator of the heavens and the earth. How could He have a son when He does not have a companion and He created all things? And He is, of all things, Knowing.”

Explanation:
This verse reiterates Allah’s role as the Originator of all creation, emphasizing that He is Al-Awwal (The First). It also refutes the idea of ALLAH having offspring, affirming His uniqueness and eternal nature.

Surah Al-Hadid (57:1):

Arabic:
سَبَّحَ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

Translation:
“Whatever is in the heavens and earth exalts ALLAH, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

Explanation:
This verse highlights the glorification of Allah by all creation, acknowledging His supremacy and eternal nature. It serves as a reminder of ALLAH’s greatness and His role as Al-Awwal (The First), the One who existed before all things and created them.