Zahir (Islam)

For other uses, see Zahir.

According to some Muslim groups, the Zahir is the external or apparent meaning of the Quran. In other words, this refers to interpretations of Quranic doctrine that are conducted by normal human beings. The other component of the Quran is the Batin, or the underlying, esoteric dimension of the Quran, which can only be interpreted by the Aga Khan, who is the Imam of the Time.