Zahir (Islam)

In Islamic theology and jurisprudence, the Zahir (Arabic: ظاهر‎, meaning "apparent," "exterior," or "literal") refers to the literal, outward meaning of the Quran and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). It represents the explicit and unambiguous text, understood without recourse to extensive interpretation, allegorical explanations, or hidden meanings.

The Zahir approach to understanding Islamic texts emphasizes the importance of adhering to the directly stated commands and prohibitions found in the Quran and Sunnah. It prioritizes the readily accessible meaning over potential symbolic or esoteric interpretations. Proponents of a Zahiri approach believe that the divine intent is most clearly conveyed through the literal wording of the sacred texts.

Zahir also gives its name to the Zahiri school of Islamic jurisprudence (Arabic: الظاهرية, al-Ẓāhiriyya), which is characterized by its strict adherence to the literal meaning of texts. The Zahiri school emerged in the 9th century CE and emphasizes that legal rulings should be derived solely from the explicit wording of the Quran and authentic Sunnah. Unlike other major schools of Islamic law, it rejects the use of qiyas (analogical reasoning) and ra'y (independent judgment) as sources of law. The Zahiri school emphasizes ijma (consensus) only when it is explicitly supported by textual evidence. Prominent scholars associated with the Zahiri school include Dawud al-Zahiri, Ibn Hazm, and Ibn Qutaybah. While the Zahiri school has historically been a minority position in Islamic jurisprudence, it continues to influence legal thought in some contexts.