Seraje Monir

A New Approach to the Concept of Baʾs in Narrations, the Resolution of Narrative Contradictions, and Its Applications

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Ali Hoseini far 1
Abel jabar Zargooshnasab 2
Nabi Sobhani 3

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

2 دانشیار گروه فقه ومبانی حقوق اسلامی،دانشکده الهیات ومعارف اسلامی،دانشگاه ایلام،ایلام،ایران

3 استادیار گروه معارف اسلامی،دانشکده الهیات ومعارف اسلامی،دانشگاه ایلام،ایلام،ایران

https://doi.org/10.22054/ajsm.2025.78878.2022
Abstract
The expression negation of Baʾs, where Baʾs in juristic usage refers to prohibition or harm—is among the frequently used phrases in the hadith corpus. The majority of Imami jurists have interpreted nagation al-Baʾs, when devoid of contextual indicators, as implying permissibility and the negation of prohibition. They have understood the affirmation of Baʾs as denoting general disapproval—a meaning encompassing both pro and con. A close examination of the semantic content of Baʾs and a careful analysis of its Qurʾanic and narrative usages reveal that, when used in legislative contexts, this lexical root corresponds to notions of punishment and retribution. In light of this correspondence, a novel interpretive approach to the concept is needed. A hermeneutic approach to the concept appears necessary. Negation of al-Baʾs means negating prohibition, while affirmation of Baʾs means establishing prohibition. Affirmation of Baʾs only implies invalidity if one accepts a causal link between prohibition and invalidity. Otherwise, affirmation of Baʾs by itself does not establish invalidity. Most scholars of Uṣūl accept this in worship, but not in transactions.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
This study seeks to uncover the authentic meaning of the term Baʾs (typically understood as prohibition, harm, or disapproval in legal contexts) by revisiting its lexical roots, examining its Qurʾānic and narrative usages, and considering the contextual indicators and sources of its apparent meanings. The aim is to arrive at the conventional understanding of the expression negation of al-Baʾs (i.e., negation of prohibition or harm). In this paper, I give attention, on the one hand, to the applications and juristic implications of negation of al-Baʾs and consider the possibility of interpreting it within the framework of the hadith tradition. Through this examination, I resolve certain apparent contradictions among narrations. On the other hand, I systematically classify and analyze the opinions and perspectives of jurists regarding both the negation and affirmation of Baʾs are systematically classified and analyzed.
It appears essential, for the establishment of certain theoretical foundations in the process of legal reasoning, to undertake a careful examination of the import and implications. Based on the investigations I conducted, I found that no comprehensive study has yet addressed this topic, except for a few partial and scattered discussions found in the following sources. Narāqī, in ʿAwāʾid al-Ayyām, addresses this issue and analyzes it from several perspectives (see Narāqī, 1417 AH, pp. 67–70). Other Imami jurists also briefly mention the subject within their jurisprudential discussions and analyses (for example, see: Ṭusi, 1400 AH, p. 107; Ḥilli, 1412 AH, 1/310; Shahīd al-Awwal, 1414 AH, 3/81; Shahīd al-Thānī, 1421 AH, 1/85; Ardabīlī, 1403 AH, 11/226; Baḥrānī, 1405 AH, 23/47; Majlisī, 1406 AH, 1/382; Najafī, 1404 AH, 36/359; Kāshif al-Ghiṭāʾ, n.d., p. 128; Nāʾīnī, 1411 AH, 1/404; al-Ghiṭāʾ, n.d., p. 128). This study uses a descriptive–analytical approach to examine the meaning and implications of the expression negation of al-Baʾs. The research presents a reasoned and evidence-based perspective on the concept of Baʾs to resolve certain apparent contradictions among narrations.
Findings and Results
The study finds:

In normative commandment, negation of al-Baʾs means dispensation and non-obligatory permissibility, including recommendation, neutral permissibility, and reprehensibility. Obligation is excluded, as non-obligation is clearer. Permissibility, without implying obligation, better fits the Lawgiver’s wisdom and character, so this interpretation is preferred.
Affirming Baʾs, considering its meaning and link to punishment, and its contrast with negation, means non-permissibility and prohibition. Interpreting it as general undesirability or only as reprehensibility is not sustainable.

3. If affirming Baʾs equals prohibition, it must be determined if such prohibition always means invalidity. Clarifying this will show if affirmation of Baʾs implies invalidity

Keywords

Baʾs
Negation of al-Baʾs
Permissibility
Prohibition
Contradiction
Subjects
The Holly Qur’an.
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Seraje Monir
Volume 16, Issue 51
September 2025
Pages 145-173

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