Meaning & Explanation
Az-Zahir is the One who is Manifest - His existence is evident through His signs, His creation, and His attributes. Nothing is above Him, and His presence is apparent to those who reflect. He is evident in everything that exists.
Quran References
2 versesContext: Four comprehensive names of Allah
هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ
“He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden”
Context: Contrast between apparent and deeper knowledge
يَعْلَمُونَ ظَاهِرًا مِّنَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ عَنِ الْآخِرَةِ هُمْ غَافِلُونَ
“They know what is apparent of the worldly life, but they are heedless of the Hereafter”
Exemplifying Story
quranThe Signs of Allah in Creation
Reference: Surah Fussilat 41:53
Allah promises: "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth." Az-Zahir makes Himself manifest through His signs. The perfection of the cell, the orbits of planets, the balance of ecosystems, the miracle of consciousness - all point to the Manifest Creator. When scientists discover the intricate laws governing the universe, they are witnessing Az-Zahir's manifestation. The more we learn about creation, the more clearly we see the Creator.
Az-Zahir's existence is manifest in every atom of creation. Open your eyes and reflect - His signs are everywhere, waiting to be seen.