Al-Asma al-Husna
Az-Zahir: meaning, transliteration and explanation
The one whose existence is manifest through what He has created
- Appears in the Quran
- Published:
- Updated:
- #Az-Zahir meaning
- #the meaning of the name Az-Zahir
- #the 99 Names of Allah
- #the Beautiful Names of Allah
Arabic
الظَّاهِر
- Transliteration
- aẓ-Ẓāhir
- Meaning
- Az-Zahir means the one whose existence and power are made manifest through the countless signs He has created. Every being and every order is evidence of His existence; His existence is clearly seen through reason and reflection. He is above and prevails over all things; nothing is above Him.
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
Manifest through signs
The order in the heavens, the delicacy in living things, the wisdom in every leaf all make Allah's existence manifest. The Quran says: "...in the creation of the heavens and the earth... are signs for a people who reflect" (Al-Baqarah, 164).
The Manifest and the Hidden
Allah is both Az-Zahir, manifest through His signs, and Al-Batin, hidden to the degree that His essence cannot be grasped. These two names together show that Allah can be known while His true nature is not encompassed (Al-Hadid, 3).
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.
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name Az-Zahir.
Related Names
Other Names with closely connected meanings.
As a personal name
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Name.
What does the name Az-Zahir mean?
Az-Zahir means Allah whose existence and power are made manifest through the countless signs He has created, and who is above and prevails over all things.How do Az-Zahir and Al-Batin come together?
Allah 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.