Day 25 – Reflecting on Allah’s Names: Al-Awwal, Al-Akhir, Az-Zahir

Day 25 – Reflecting on Allah’s Names: Al-Awwal, Al-Akhir, Az-Zahir

There are times in life when we feel lost—unsure of where we are heading or why certain things happen the way they do. In these moments, reflecting on Allah’s beautiful names brings peace to our hearts. Today, we focus on three of His names that remind us of His eternal presence, His guidance, and His all-encompassing knowledge:

• Al-Awwal (ٱلْأَوَّلُ) – The First
• Al-Akhir (ٱلْآخِرُ) – The Last
• Az-Zahir (ٱلْظَّاهِرُ) – The Manifest

These names help us understand that Allah has always been there, He will always be there, and He is the most evident reality in our lives. No matter where we are in our journey, we are never alone—He was there before us, He will remain when everything else fades, and His presence is always clear for those who seek Him.

Al-Awwal (ٱلْأَوَّلُ) – The First

The name Al-Awwal comes from the root “ʾ-w-l” (أ و ل), meaning the beginning, to come first, or to precede everything else. Allah is Al-Awwal—He existed before anything else, before time itself.

“He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is, of all things, Knowing.”
(Surah Al-Hadid 57:3)

Everything we see around us—our families, our homes, the earth, and the vast universe—had a beginning. But Allah was always there. He is not created, nor did anything exist before Him. When we feel uncertain about our future, we remember that the One who existed before everything else is also the One guiding our path.

Reflection:

• How does knowing that Allah was always there bring us comfort in times of fear and uncertainty?
• How can we put our trust in His eternal wisdom rather than in temporary things?

Al-Akhir (ٱلْآخِرُ) – The Last

The name Al-Akhir comes from the root “ʾ-kh-r” (أ خ ر), meaning to be last, to remain, and to be ultimate. Allah is Al-Akhir—when everything else perishes, He alone will remain.

“Everything will perish except His Face. To Him belongs the judgment, and to Him you will be returned.”
(Surah Al-Qasas 28:88)

We often get attached to the world—our relationships, our achievements, our struggles—but everything is temporary. No matter how much we build in this life, it will eventually fade away. Only Allah is eternal. This name teaches us to focus on what truly lasts—our relationship with Him, our good deeds, and our preparation for the hereafter.

Reflection:

• What are we holding onto too tightly, forgetting that only Allah is everlasting?
• How can we shift our focus from temporary distractions to eternal rewards?

Az-Zahir (ٱلْظَّاهِرُ) – The Manifest

The name Az-Zahir comes from the root “ẓ-h-r” (ظ ه ر), meaning to be clear, visible, or evident. Allah is Az-Zahir—His existence is undeniable, reflected in everything around us.

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.”
(Surah Fussilat 41:53)

If we truly open our eyes and hearts, we see Allah’s presence everywhere. In the beauty of a sunset, the precision of our bodies, the vastness of the galaxies—His signs are all around us. Yet, sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily lives that we fail to recognize Him. Az-Zahir reminds us to pause, reflect, and see His greatness in every moment.

Reflection:

• What is one sign of Allah’s presence that we have overlooked in our daily life?
• How can we become more aware of His signs and presence in both the good and the difficult moments?

Final Thoughts

These names of Allah fill our hearts with peace and certainty

Ya Allah, You are Al-Awwal—guide us in every beginning. You are Al-Akhir—help us focus on what truly lasts. You are Az-Zahir—open our hearts to see You in everything around us.

What is one way we can connect more deeply with Allah today, knowing He is always there?

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