Name 73
الْأَوَّل
Al-Awwal
The First, whose existence has no beginning and who precedes all things.
About
Al-Awwal means "the First, the One who comes before." God's existence has no beginning; He is before everything and brings everything into being. Nothing existed before Him.
This Name points to the source of all existence: He is the One who begins creation. Every beginning, every first step and every new day is possible through His creating. Even when a person starts something, they move within an order He has established.
Al-Awwal appears in the third verse of Surah Al-Hadid together with Al-Akhir, Az-Zahir and Al-Batin. Taken together, these four Names describe God's absoluteness, encompassing time and all that exists.
From the Qur'an
He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing.
And it is He who begins creation; then He repeats it, and that is [even] easier for Him. To Him belongs the highest description [i.e., attribute] in the heavens and earth. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
Reflection
Everything in your life has a beginning: a relationship, a habit, a journey. Directing your intention to the First when you begin something gives it firm ground. Al-Awwal asks you what you have placed first in your heart. The first thought you carry into your day can set the tone for everything that follows.
Today's practice
Today, begin your first task by reminding yourself in one sentence why you are doing it.
- Dhikr
- 37times
- The abjad value of the Name
For these feelings
- Deep · Elegant
One Name every day, with a reminder
Inner Hunt brings you one Name each day; over 99 days every Name comes once. A daily reminder calls you back to the Name of the day at the time you choose. Pick how you feel, and it shows a Name suited to that feeling.
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