A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The names of Allah, al-Awwal (the First) and al-Akhir (the Last).
The effects of believing in them.
Al-Awwal in the Arabic language.
It refers to precedence and priority.
It is that which others follow.
Whether in terms of time or place.
Or in rank and status.
Al-Akhir is the opposite.
It is that after which there is nothing.
Both names have been mentioned in the Noble Qur'an.
Linked together.
Allah the Exalted says:
“He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all things.” (57:3)
And He is Knowing of all things.
Al-Awwal, regarding Allah the Exalted,
Means He before whom there is nothing.
And al-Akhir is He after whom there is nothing.
As the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, explained in his supplication.
He said:
"O Allah, You are the First, so there is nothing before You."
"And You are the Last, so there is nothing after You."
"And You are the Manifest (al-Zahir), so there is nothing above You."
"And You are the Hidden (al-Batin), so there is nothing beneath You."
"Relieve us of debt and enrich us from poverty."
Narrated by Muslim.
The name of Allah, al-Awwal,
Indicates that everything besides Him, the Glorified,
Is originated, coming into existence after not having been.
And the name of Allah, al-Akhir,
Indicates that everything besides Him is destined to perish.
Allah alone is the Everlasting, whose existence has no end.
It has become common among the theologians (Mutakallimun),
To name Allah the Exalted and describe Him with the term 'al-Qadim' (the Ancient).
By which they mean that which has no beginning to its existence.
This is a correct meaning.
However, no text from the Book or the Sunnah has brought it.
Thus, it is not among the Beautiful Names of Allah.
It is better to adhere to the term al-Awwal.
Because it conforms to what was revealed in the Book of Allah the Exalted.
And because of the breadth of its meaning in the language as well.
For 'al-Qadim' only encompasses that which precedes another in time.
Unlike al-Awwal,
Which indicates absolute precedence over everything.
Among the most important effects of believing in these two noble names:
First:
Absolute need for Allah alone.
And detachment from relying on or leaning upon worldly causes.
For the name of Allah, al-Awwal,
Requires one to focus solely on the precedence of Allah’s grace and mercy.
He is the One who initiates blessings before they are earned by any means from the servant.
His grace precedes the means themselves.
In fact, the means themselves are from His grace and generosity.
And the name of Allah, al-Akhir,
Likewise requires not relying on causes or trusting in them.
Because they inevitably cease and come to an end.
While Allah, the Everlasting and Eternal, remains.
Thus, worshipping Allah through these two noble names
Realizes the state of need for Allah alone.
As He is the One who initiates blessings before they are earned,
And the One who remains after them.
He who has no end or cessation.
He is the First of everything and the Last.
Second:
Realizing servitude to Allah the Exalted and love for Him.
For He is the First from whom all creatures originated,
And the Last to whom their servitude, intentions, and love are directed.
There is nothing beyond Allah to be sought, worshipped, or deified.
Just as He created us alone,
It is our duty to worship Him alone.
So that our servitude to Him may be perfected through His names, al-Awwal and al-Akhir.
Third:
Realizing that Allah, the Glorified, is the Provider of the means and the end.
From Him comes both the cause and the effect.
As Allah the Exalted said:
"And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance."
He guided them first, so they became guided.
Then He increased them in guidance as a second step.
This is among the secrets of His names, al-Awwal and al-Akhir.
Fourth:
Achieving seeking refuge in Him, the Glorified.
For He is the One who grants refuge from Himself, by Himself.
As the most knowledgeable of creation regarding Him, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"And I seek refuge in You from You."
Narrated by Muslim.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.