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 a figure of esoteric knowledge, who for Shi'a Muslims is the Imam of the Time.

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