«وأن لا يكون مخالفاً للظاهر»
Nor should it be opposed to the established apparent import of the relevant evidence.
Here zahir means an already supported textual signification. If the reported meaning appears to run counter to that signification, the interpreter examines attribution, scope, specification and context.
The text uses disputes over ablution after touching the private parts and marriage without a guardian. Their purpose is to show how jurists weigh different kinds of proof, not to claim every legal school reaches the same outcome.
A rule is only understood when one can explain which evidence was prioritized and for what reason.