One of the hottest disputes that has always gone on between the Shiite and Sonni, the two main sects of Islam is over the subject that they technically call it BADAA.

      Literally it means; appearance, and clearness. It is also known as penitence and remorse for appearing due to a sudden change of mind, and coming of a sudden to a new conclusion or decision.

      But such apparent meanings and denotations do not apply to God, because nothing is hidden from Him to be evident and to cause His change of mind. So also God never makes a mistake to be needed for a correction. If we attribute mistakes and neglect to God's All-knowing All-mighty Essence; we have blasphemed, and spoken in irreverent way about Him. Therefore in the sight of a Shiite, ``BADAA'' is some sort of an abrogation in the natural phenomenas.

      Many a time we may think that an event will happen because we see that all the necessary condition for the happening exist, either social or physical. Or that, an apostle of God has foretold that such and such would happen, but in practice it happens not. In such a case we say that the stop or delay is due to BADAA.

      This is some how like the ABROGATION=NASKH in which a religious commandment is issued, but after a period of time, long or short, the command is abolished by the apostle or a religious authority, or it is replaced with a new command. Therefore the two technical terms namely BADAA and NASKH, which involves of abrogating, or nullifying a commandment or decision that God has decreed, either in the Law or in nature, are some sort of a twin-brothers. Instances of these are found in the lifeِstory of the prophets like Jonah, Jesus and Moses.

      Jonah tried to preach and enforce his mission in NINEVEH, but eventually he was despaired of his people, and made sure that the wrath of God would seized them. So he left his people and ran away to escape the punishment. But things happened otherwise! Jonah himself was swallowed by a large sea whale, and after his departure his people repented and returned to God through the advices of a learned man they had, and through God's BADAA their punishment was cancelled.
      So was the prediction of Jesus Christ about a marriage, who foretold that the bride would die at their matrimonial night; but she didn't die, and lived long! Jesus was questioned about his prediction!? He then asked the bride if she had given anything in alms or charity to the poor and needy that very day, and she admitted that she had given a sum for the sake of God. Jesus then said alms giving is a means to postpone the coming calamities.

      ABRAHAM too was commanded to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, but when he decided to do so, through God's BADAA, he was prohibited from doing that, because God's decision had been changed!

      All these and many other instances show that, BADAA is a truth, and God may delay a finalized decision or precedes whatever He will. He never changes His mind or decision for having done a mistake or due to neglect or default, but due to good purpose, and well-wishing.