b-'-d

Description

The Arabic root بعد (b-'-d) carries the core semantic meaning of distance, whether in space, time, or relational status. In the Quran, it most frequently appears in temporal constructions meaning "after" to establish sequences of events, prophets, or generations, emphasizing God's continuous guidance and the progression of divine revelation throughout history. The root also extends to spatial and metaphorical distance, as seen in words describing those who have gone "far astray" from truth, thus connecting physical remoteness with spiritual deviation and highlighting the Quran's concern with proximity to or distance from divine guidance.