The Shiite Apologetics
Question Fifteen
What is Bada' and why do Shiites believe in it?
Answer:
Bada in Arabic means to become manifest. In Shiite terminology, it denotes a change in the course of ones fate due to his good deeds. It is a lofty point in the Shiite dynamic school derived from the logic of Revelation and the exploration of reason.
As the Quran views the affairs, man is not such as to be invariably helpless before his fate, but he may change the course of his fate by returning to the Truth and by doing worthy deeds, this being a universal and lasting principle, asserted by the Quran Allah does not change the conditions of a people until they change their own conditions. 13:11. Also, And if the people of the cities had believed and guarded (against evil), We would certainly have opened up for them the blessings from the heaven and the earth. 7:96. Such states the Quran concerning a change in Prophet Yunus (Jonah) lot: But had it not been that he was of those who glorify (Us), he would certainly have tarried in its (i.e. the whales) belly until the Resurrection Day. 37:143-4.
The above verse indicates that Prophet Yunus was apparently to remain in this special jail until the Day of Resurrection, but his good deed (his glorifying God) changed his lot and saved him. This is a fact recognized by Islamic narrations (hadiths), concerning which the holy Prophet (a.s) said, Ones sins do deprive one from ones destined provision and nothing but supplications can change it; one can also lengthen ones life only by performing good deeds.[1]
This tradition and similar ones prove if man commits sins, he will be deprived of the provisions he should receive; nevertheless, he can change his fate and prolong his life when he supplicates to God and does good deeds.
Conclusion
As understood from the Quran and the Prophets words, it is quite probable for one to be doomed to a certain painful end due to the natural sequence of cause and effect, stemming from his everyday behavior; he may be warned by a saint such as the Prophet or an Imam, of such a consequence if he continues misbehaving. Such an end may, however, change its direction and lead to happiness if one corrects his deeds. This fact, derived from the logic of revelation, the Prophets Sunnah and the explorations of the reason is, in Shiite terminology, called Bada'.
It is worth mentioning here that Bada' is not specifically a Shiite application; it can be traced in the Sunnite
[1] Musnad Ahmad vol. 5, p. 277; Also Al-Hakim's al-Mustadrak `ala al-Sahihayn, vol. 1, p. 493, and similar others in al-Tajol Jam', vol. 5, p. 111.
writings concerning the words of the holy Prophet, (a.s), such as the following example: It appeared good to God to afflict them (with trouble.) [1]
It should also be mentioned that Bada' never implies a change in Gods knowledge, for He knows, from the very beginning, the natural course mans actions will move in, as well as the influence of the factors that can change this process and cause Bada, as He has said in the Quran: He blots out and He establishes whatever he wills, and with Him is the essence (mother) of the Book 13:39
This means that at the time when Bada occurs, God actually clarifies for us what has been a clear fact to Him since eternity. This is why Imam Sadiq, peace be upon him, says, In no event did God consider (the occurrence of) Bada' but He knew it before it took place. [2]
The Philosophy of Bada
If man feels he has a free hand in changing his fate, he will no doubt try to make himself a better future, and will endeavor more energetically to improve his life. In other words, just as repentance, Tawbah, and intercession save him from hopelessness and a bleak life, Bada will fill him with happiness, giving him hope for a bright future, for it is in the light of such an insight that man knows that he can, as ordained by God, change his lot and move on to a better future and a brighter end.
[1] Al-Nihayah fi Gharib al-hAdith wa al-Athar, by Madj al-Din al-Mubarak ibn Muhammad al-Jazri, vol. 1, p. 109. [2] Usul a- Kafi, The Book al-Tawhid, chapter on Bada', tradition 9.
