Surah Al-Hadid — Ayah 3 (57:3)

English translation (Saheeh International)

He is the First¹ and the Last,² the Ascendant³ and the Intimate,⁴ and He is, of all things, Knowing.

1. Before whom nothing existed. Also, He who is supreme, foremost or uppermost.
2. Enduring eternally when nothing else remains.
3. Nothing being above Him. Another meaning is "the Apparent," i.e., evident through His creation and revelation.
4. Nothing being nearer than Him by way of His knowledge. Another meaning is "the Unapparent," i.e., concealed from man's physical senses.

Brief commentary

He is the First; nothing existed before Him. He is the Last; nothing will exist after Him. He is the Apparent; there is nothing above Him. He is the Intimate; there is nothing without Him, and He knows everything, He does not miss anything.