الأول
Al-Awwal
The First
Meaning
Al-Awwal is the First — He existed before everything, before time, before space, before creation. There was nothing before Him. He has no beginning, no origin, and no creator. His existence is eternal and self-originating. When you trace anything back to its beginning — the universe, life, time itself — you arrive at Al-Awwal. He was there before there was a "there." This is a mind-expanding concept: an existence so fundamental that even the concept of "before" did not exist until He created time. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to say in du'a: "You are the First, and there is nothing before You." Nothing. Not emptiness, not darkness, not space — nothing. Only Al-Awwal.
In the Quran
Surah Al-Hadid (57:3): "He is the First (Al-Awwal) and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is, of all things, Knowing."
Daily Reflection
Before anything existed — before the universe, before time — Al-Awwal was there. What does this tell you about His independence and your dependence?
Today's Action
Begin your day with Allah today. Before checking your phone, before talking to anyone, spend the first moments of your morning with Al-Awwal in prayer and remembrance.
Dhikr
يا أول (Ya Awwal)
Say it 100 times, contemplating the eternity of Allah's existence before all things.
Dua
اللهم يا أول اجعلنا أولياءك واجعل أول أمرنا صلاحًا
O Allah, the First, make us among Your allies and make the beginning of our affairs righteous.