Part of Concepts of Ahl as-Sunnah (series completed)
· Lesson 79 of 1251
Summary of Sunni concepts | Concept (77) | The names of God (the First) and (the Last) and the effects of believing in them
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Transcript
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A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
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The names of Allah, al-Awwal (the First) and al-Akhir (the Last).
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The effects of believing in them.
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Al-Awwal in the Arabic language.
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It refers to precedence and priority.
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It is that which others follow.
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Whether in terms of time or place.
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Or in rank and status.
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Al-Akhir is the opposite.
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It is that after which there is nothing.
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Both names have been mentioned in the Noble Qur'an.
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Linked together.
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Allah the Exalted says:
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“He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all things.” (57:3)
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And He is Knowing of all things.
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Al-Awwal, regarding Allah the Exalted,
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Means He before whom there is nothing.
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And al-Akhir is He after whom there is nothing.
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As the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, explained in his supplication.
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He said:
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"O Allah, You are the First, so there is nothing before You."
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"And You are the Last, so there is nothing after You."
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"And You are the Manifest (al-Zahir), so there is nothing above You."
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"And You are the Hidden (al-Batin), so there is nothing beneath You."
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"Relieve us of debt and enrich us from poverty."
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Narrated by Muslim.
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The name of Allah, al-Awwal,
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Indicates that everything besides Him, the Glorified,
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Is originated, coming into existence after not having been.
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And the name of Allah, al-Akhir,
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Indicates that everything besides Him is destined to perish.
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Allah alone is the Everlasting, whose existence has no end.
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It has become common among the theologians (Mutakallimun),
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To name Allah the Exalted and describe Him with the term 'al-Qadim' (the Ancient).
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By which they mean that which has no beginning to its existence.
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This is a correct meaning.
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However, no text from the Book or the Sunnah has brought it.
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Thus, it is not among the Beautiful Names of Allah.
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It is better to adhere to the term al-Awwal.
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Because it conforms to what was revealed in the Book of Allah the Exalted.
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And because of the breadth of its meaning in the language as well.
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For 'al-Qadim' only encompasses that which precedes another in time.
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Unlike al-Awwal,
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Which indicates absolute precedence over everything.
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Among the most important effects of believing in these two noble names:
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First:
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Absolute need for Allah alone.
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And detachment from relying on or leaning upon worldly causes.
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For the name of Allah, al-Awwal,
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Requires one to focus solely on the precedence of Allah’s grace and mercy.
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He is the One who initiates blessings before they are earned by any means from the servant.
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His grace precedes the means themselves.
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In fact, the means themselves are from His grace and generosity.
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And the name of Allah, al-Akhir,
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Likewise requires not relying on causes or trusting in them.
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Because they inevitably cease and come to an end.
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While Allah, the Everlasting and Eternal, remains.
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Thus, worshipping Allah through these two noble names
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Realizes the state of need for Allah alone.
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As He is the One who initiates blessings before they are earned,
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And the One who remains after them.
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He who has no end or cessation.
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He is the First of everything and the Last.
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Second:
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Realizing servitude to Allah the Exalted and love for Him.
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For He is the First from whom all creatures originated,
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And the Last to whom their servitude, intentions, and love are directed.
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There is nothing beyond Allah to be sought, worshipped, or deified.
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Just as He created us alone,
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It is our duty to worship Him alone.
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So that our servitude to Him may be perfected through His names, al-Awwal and al-Akhir.
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Third:
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Realizing that Allah, the Glorified, is the Provider of the means and the end.
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From Him comes both the cause and the effect.
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As Allah the Exalted said:
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"And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance."
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He guided them first, so they became guided.
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Then He increased them in guidance as a second step.
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This is among the secrets of His names, al-Awwal and al-Akhir.
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Fourth:
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Achieving seeking refuge in Him, the Glorified.
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For He is the One who grants refuge from Himself, by Himself.
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As the most knowledgeable of creation regarding Him, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
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"And I seek refuge in You from You."
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Narrated by Muslim.
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A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.