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Who is the "wretch" (al-bā'is) linguistically and Islamically?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The origin of the word "al-ba's" (بأس) in the Arabic language is related to torment and hardship, and "al-ba'is" (البائس) is someone whose need has become severe. As for its meaning in Islamic law (Shari'a), "al-ba'is" is the one in dire need, whose poverty is apparent. It may also be used for someone afflicted by a misfortune of time, even if they are not poor, as mentioned in the Hadith of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, may Allah be pleased with him.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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