##### Resources # **Glossary of Terms** #### Definitions and contextual notes on key Baha'i terms, titles, and concepts appearing in this collection. *** ### B ***bada',*** or *al-bada'* – An Arabic theological word found in Shi'i Islam literally meaning 'appearance' or 'emergence' and in context, "means change in a divine decree in response to new circumstances". (Wikipedia, “Bada,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bada). Despite the prior belief that the word was Persian — and unique to the Persian Baha'i Hands of the Cause of God expressing their rejection of the guardianship — it can be found in the Qur'an, and in this instance Baha'u'llah's *Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude)* in reference to Noah losing followers after failed dates for the flood; >Among the Prophets was Noah. For nine hundred and fifty years He prayerfully exhorted His people and summoned them to the haven of security and peace. None, however, heeded His call. Each day they inflicted on His blessed person such pain and suffering that no one believed He could survive. How frequently they denied Him, how malevolently they hinted their suspicion against Him! Thus it hath been revealed: “And as often as a company of His people passed by Him, they derided Him. To them He said: ‘Though ye scoff at us now, we will scoff at you hereafter even as ye scoff at us. In the end ye shall know.’” Long afterward, **He several times promised victory to His companions and fixed the hour thereof. But when the hour struck, the divine promise was not fulfilled. \[bada]** This caused a few among the small number of His followers to turn away from Him, and to this testify the records of the best-known books. These you must certainly have perused; if not, undoubtedly you will. Finally, as stated in books and traditions, **there remained with Him only forty or seventy-two of His followers.** … >And now, consider and reflect a moment upon the waywardness of this people. What could have been the reason for such denial and avoidance on their part? What could have induced them to refuse to put off the garment of denial, and to adorn themselves with the robe of acceptance? Moreover, what could have caused the **nonfulfillment of the divine promise \[bada']** which led the seekers to reject that which they had accepted?" He goes on to say; >Meditate profoundly, that the secret of things unseen may be revealed unto you, that you may inhale the sweetness of a spiritual and imperishable fragrance, and that you may acknowledge the truth that from time immemorial even unto eternity the Almighty hath tried, and will continue to try, His servants, so that light may be distinguished from darkness, truth from falsehood, right from wrong, guidance from error, happiness from misery, and roses from thorns. Even as He hath revealed: "**Do men think when they say 'We believe' they shall be let alone and not be put to proof?**" \[Qur'an 29:2] Baha'u'llah, *Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude)*, [pt. 1, paras. 7–8.](https://bahai.works/Kit%C3%A1b-i-%C3%8Dq%C3%A1n/Par_1-50) \[Emphasis added.] *** `Updated: 16 October 2025`