Al-Awwal
| Name | Al-Awwal |
| Arabic | الأول |
| English meaning | The First |
| Urdu meaning (اردو) | سب سے پہلا |
| Number | 73 of 99 |
| Invocation | Ya Al-Awwal — “O The First” |
The meaning of Al-Awwal
Al-Awwal (الأول) is the 73th of the ninety-nine names of Allah, the Asma-ul-Husna (“most beautiful names”). It carries the meaning “The First” — rendered in Urdu as سب سے پہلا. To affirm this name is to believe that this quality belongs to Allah completely and perfectly, in a way beyond any limit found in creation.
Reflecting on this name
Each of Allah's names invites reflection, not just memorisation. When a believer calls upon Allah as Al-Awwal, they turn to Him precisely as “The First” — seeking from Him what this attribute promises, and shaping their own character in humility before it. The scholars taught that truly enumerating the names (as in the hadith below) means learning them, believing in them and living by their meanings, not merely counting them.
How Al-Awwal is recited
This name is remembered as part of the Asma-ul-Husna in dhikr (remembrance) and du'a. It is commonly invoked in the form “Ya Al-Awwal” (یا الأول) — “O The First” — while reflecting on its meaning. Muslims may recite the full set of ninety-nine names, or focus on individual names in personal supplication. There is no fixed count required for reward; the value lies in sincerity and understanding.
Frequently asked questions
What does Al-Awwal mean?
Al-Awwal (الأول) means “. In Urdu it is “. It is name number 73 of the ninety-nine names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna).
What is Al-Awwal in Urdu?
In Urdu, Al-Awwal (الأول) means “. The English meaning is “.
Which number is Al-Awwal among the 99 names?
Al-Awwal is the 73th of the ninety-nine beautiful names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna), in the well-known at-Tirmidhi enumeration.
How do you recite Al-Awwal?
It is often recited as “Ya (يا الأول) — “O — within dhikr and du'a, along with the other names of Asma-ul-Husna, reflecting on its meaning.
How many names of Allah are there?
There are ninety-nine names of Allah, known as Asma-ul-Husna (the most beautiful names), taught in the Quran and the Sunnah.