The concept of “Azali” in Islamic theology refers to the eternal preexistence of Allah, emphasizing that God is without beginning or end and has always existed independently of time and creation. 

This concept is an essential aspect of Tawhid, the oneness and uniqueness of Allah, and underscores several key theological principles:

1. Eternal Existence: Allah’s existence is eternal, meaning He existed before anything else and will continue to exist forever. This eternal nature is not shared by any part of creation, highlighting God’s unique and incomparable essence.
2. Beyond Time and Space: Being Azali, Allah is not constrained by time or space, as these are creations of His own will. This distinction places Him beyond the limitations and changes inherent in the physical universe.
3. Quranic Basis: The concept of “Azali” in Islamic theology refers to the eternal preexistence of Allah, meaning that Allah has always existed without beginning or end. It is a fundamental attribute of God in Islam, which underscores His nature as the uncreated, self-existing being who is not bound by time or space. Here are some key aspects of the concept of Allah’s eternal preexistence:
4. Timelessness: Allah’s preexistence signifies that He exists beyond the confines of time. Unlike His creation, which has a beginning and an end, Allah is not subject to temporal limitations. This attribute emphasizes His uniqueness and distinctness from the created universe.
5. Uncaused Cause: In Islamic theology, Allah is considered the “First Cause” or “Uncaused Cause,” meaning that He is the originator of everything without Himself being caused or created by anything else. This establishes Him as the necessary being upon which all contingent beings depend.
6. Quranic References: The concept of Allah’s eternal preexistence is supported by numerous verses in the Quran. For example, Surah Al-Hadid (57:3) states, “He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Hidden, and He has knowledge of all things.” This verse highlights Allah’s encompassing nature and timeless existence.
7. Importance in Tawhid: Belief in the eternal preexistence of Allah is integral to Tawhid, the Islamic concept of monotheism. It affirms Allah’s role as the sole and eternal Creator, reinforcing the belief in His singularity and independence from the created world.
8. Foundation for Other Attributes: Allah’s preexistence underpins many other divine attributes such as His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. It is the basis for understanding that God’s existence is not contingent upon anything else, reflecting His absolute and self-sufficient nature.
9. Theological Implications: The belief in Allah’s eternal preexistence has profound implications for Islamic theology, asserting the permanence and unity of Allah’s will and purpose, as well as the eternal nature of divine wisdom and justice.
10. Philosophical Perspective: In Islamic philosophy, scholars like Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and others have explored and defended the concept of Allah’s eternal nature within the framework of classical metaphysical arguments, often engaging with and refining existing philosophical traditions.

Overall, the concept of Azali, or the eternal preexistence of Allah, is central to Islamic belief, emphasizing His timelessness, self-existence, and absolute sovereignty over the universe.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.