Al-Asma al-Husna
Al-Batin: meaning, transliteration and explanation
The one whose essence minds cannot encompass, the hidden
- Appears in the Quran
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Arabic
الْبَاطِن
- Transliteration
- al-Bāṭin
- Meaning
- Al-Batin means the one whose essence and true nature minds and eyes cannot encompass, hidden to a degree beyond comprehension. Although Allah is manifest (Az-Zahir) through His signs, His essence is hidden from human perception. At the same time He is nearer to everything than anything else, and knows what passes through hearts.
In the Quran
«He is the First, the Last, the Manifest (apparent), and the Hidden (concealed). He has knowledge of all things.»
Surah Al-Hadid, 3Explanation
An essence beyond comprehension
Although a person knows Allah's existence through His signs, they cannot grasp the true nature of His essence. The Quran says: "Eyes cannot perceive Him, but He perceives all eyes" (Al-Anam, 103). His essence is exalted above every conception.
Nearer than anything
Al-Batin also means the one who knows what is hidden and is very near to the servant. The Quran says: "We are nearer to him than his jugular vein" (Qaf, 16). He sees what is hidden and knows the most concealed need.
Sources
This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.
- QuranSurah Al-Hadid, 3
Allah's being "the Manifest" and "the Hidden" occurs in this verse.
- QuranSurah Qaf, 16
Allah's being nearer to man than his jugular vein is stated in this verse.
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name Al-Batin.
Related Names
Other Names with closely connected meanings.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Name.
What does the name Al-Batin mean?
Al-Batin means Allah whose essence minds cannot encompass to the degree of being hidden, and who at the same time is nearer to everything than anything else.Is Allah both manifest and hidden?
Yes. He is manifest through His signs (Az-Zahir), while His essence is hidden to a degree that cannot be grasped (Al-Batin); the two occur together in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 3.