Az-Zahir
The Manifest
Prophetic Traditions
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الْأَوَّلُ فَلَيْسَ قَبْلَكَ شَيْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الْآخِرُ فَلَيْسَ بَعْدَكَ شَيْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَيْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَيْءٌ
“O Allah, You are the First and there is nothing before You, You are the Last and there is nothing after You, You are the Manifest and there is nothing above You, You are the Hidden and there is nothing beyond You.”
This supplication, taught by the Prophet ﷺ before sleeping, beautifully combines four names of Allah showing His absolute encompassment.
Scholarly Insights
Az-Zahir means that Allah is above all of His creation, ascended over His Throne. His existence is manifest through His signs, His creation, and the evidence of His lordship that permeates every atom of existence.
Supplications
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَيْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَيْءٌ اقْضِ عَنَّا الدَّيْنَ وَأَغْنِنَا مِنَ الْفَقْرِ
Allahumma antadh-Dhahiru fa laysa fawqaka shay' wa antal-Batinu fa laysa dunaka shay', iqdi 'annad-dayna wa aghnina minal-faqr
“O Allah, You are the Manifest and there is nothing above You, You are the Hidden and there is nothing beyond You. Settle our debts and enrich us from poverty.”
Living With This Name
- 1
See the signs of Az-Zahir in every aspect of creation—from the stars to the cells in your body.
- 2
When doubts arise, look at the manifest evidence of Allah's existence all around you.
- 3
Recite the Prophet's bedtime dua that includes this beautiful name.
- 4
Reflect on how Allah's attributes are apparent in the order, beauty, and precision of the universe.