baqaa

Baqa, written in Arabic as البقاء, is a term whose literal meaning is permanence, endurance, or continued existence. In general Arabic usage, it denotes the state of remaining or lasting over time.

In Islamic theology, baqa has a specialized meaning within mysticism. It is a central concept in Sufism and is often paired with fana, the stage of annihilation or extinction of the self in God. Baqa refers to the state of subsisting or abiding in God after the ego has been purged, so that the practitioner lives in a manner that reflects the divine presence and attributes. Interpretations vary among Sufi orders, but the common idea is a transformed, ongoing relationship with God rather than a mere emotional experience. Baqa is thus associated with moral and spiritual steadfastness, continuous remembrance of God, and a life governed by divine guidance.

Etymologically, baqa derives from the Classical Arabic root ب-ق-ي (ba-qa-ya), which conveys lastingness or remaining. The concept has influenced religious and philosophical writings beyond strict jurisprudence, appearing in poetry and prose to express endurance, permanence of truth, or the believer’s continual awareness of the divine.

In contemporary usage, baqa is primarily encountered in discussions of Islamic spirituality and Sufi thought. It remains a technical term within that tradition, though its linguistic sense of permanence has broader applicability in Arabic literature and discourse.