 |
| The First in Islam: 5 Ways to Live by Allah’s Eternal Name |
The First in Islam: 5 Ways to Live by Allah’s Eternal Name 
Imagine standing at the edge of time, where nothing exists—no stars, no seas, no trace of life. Only the infinite presence of Allah, The First, who precedes all creation. This divine name isn’t just a title; it’s a gateway to understanding the eternal essence of the Creator. In this captivating journey, we’ll explore the profound meaning of The First, its roots in the Quran and Sunnah, and how it can transform your daily life. With over 1.3K words of storytelling, spiritual insights, and practical tips, this article will inspire you to connect with Allah’s timeless priority. Ready to dive into the divine? Let’s begin! 
The Eternal Beginning: What Does The First Mean? 🧵
The name The First encapsulates Allah’s pre-existence before all creation. As the Quran declares in Surah Al-Hadid: “He is The First and The Last, The Manifest and The Hidden, and He is, of all things, Knowing” [57:3]. This verse paints a vivid picture of Allah’s eternal nature—existing before time, space, or matter. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Allah was, and there was nothing before Him, and His Throne was over the water, then He created the heavens and the earth” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This imagery invites us to marvel at Allah’s absolute precedence, The First in every sense.
Scholars like Ibn Jarir al-Tabari explain that The First signifies Allah’s existence without beginning, unbound by time or creation. Al-Zajjaj adds that Allah precedes all events by infinite moments, while Al-Khattabi emphasizes that The First is the One who existed when nothing else did. This divine attribute isn’t just theological—it’s a call to recognize Allah as the source of everything. How can this name shape your perspective? Let’s find out. 
The First in the Lives of the Righteous 
Picture a quiet night in Medina, where the early Muslims lived with unwavering devotion. The tabi’i (successor) Suhail ibn Abi Salih instructed his children to lie on their right side before sleep and recite: “O Allah, You are The First, so there is nothing before You, and You are The Last, so there is nothing after You…” This supplication, narrated by Abu Huraira from the Prophet (peace be upon him), reflects a deep connection to The First. It’s a reminder to anchor our hearts to the One who precedes all existence.
This practice wasn’t just ritualistic—it was a way of life. By invoking The First, the early Muslims internalized Allah’s priority, seeking His guidance in every moment. Whether facing trials or seeking blessings, they turned to The First, knowing He is the origin of all solutions. This timeless wisdom invites us to reflect: how can we make Allah our priority today? 💦
Why The First Matters to You 
Why should a divine name like The First matter in our fast-paced, modern lives? The answer lies in its transformative power. Ibn al-Qayyim, a renowned scholar, describes two levels of worship with this name: first, recognizing Allah’s precedence in all things, and second, aligning your actions with His priority. This means making Allah The First in your decisions, intentions, and aspirations.
For instance, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If people knew the reward for praying in the first row, they would draw lots for it” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This hadith highlights the virtue of striving to be first in acts of worship, inspired by Allah’s attribute as The First. By praying at the start of its time or rushing to help others, you embody the spirit of this name, seeking Allah’s pleasure above all.
Living with The First: Practical Steps 
How can you weave the essence of The First into your daily routine? Here are actionable steps to live by this divine name:
- Prioritize Allah in Every Choice: Before making decisions, ask yourself, “Does this please Allah, The First?” This simple question aligns your heart with divine priority.
- Race to Good Deeds: Be the first to give charity, help a neighbor, or perform acts of kindness, as the Quran praises those who “hasten to good deeds” [Al-Mu’minun:61].
- Reflect on Creation’s Origin: When you see a sunrise or enjoy a meal, remember that Allah, The First, created it from nothing.
- Invoke The First in Dua: Recite the supplication, “O Allah, You are The First, so there is nothing before You,” to renew your faith and trust.
These steps transform abstract theology into a vibrant, lived experience. Try one today and notice the difference in your heart. 
A Story of Transformation: Khaled’s Journey 
Let me share Khaled’s story, a young man lost in the grind of daily life. Feeling unmoored, he stumbled upon a lecture about Allah’s name, The First. Intrigued, Khaled decided to make Allah his priority. He started praying at the earliest time, joined the first row at the mosque, and began his day with the dua invoking The First. Over time, he felt a shift—a sense of purpose and peace that grounded him. Khaled’s story reminds us that embracing The First isn’t just spiritual; it’s a lifestyle that brings clarity and fulfillment. Could this be your turning point too? 
The Deeper Impact of The First 
The name The First invites us to see Allah as the source of every blessing, from the air we breathe to the dreams we chase. It challenges us to prioritize Him above worldly distractions. As Al-Sa’di notes, recognizing Allah as The First reminds us that every created thing came after Him, urging us to gratitude for His boundless favors. By internalizing this name, we cultivate a mindset of humility, trust, and purpose, knowing that Allah’s precedence ensures His eternal care for us. 
For more reflections on Allah’s names, check out our articles on Al-Rahman: The Merciful (internal_link) or The Power of Dua with Allah’s Names (internal_link) to deepen your spiritual journey. 
Conclusion: Make Allah Your First Priority
The name The First is more than a divine attribute—it’s a call to live with purpose, prioritizing Allah in every moment. By reflecting on His eternal precedence, we find direction in a chaotic world. Start today: say the dua, rush to a good deed, or simply pause to thank The First for His blessings. Your heart will feel lighter, your purpose clearer.
What’s one way you’ll make Allah The First in your life today? Share your thoughts in the comments, or explore more about Allah’s Beautiful Names !
+201019341193
التسميات
Names of Allah