Bay'ah (The Pledge)

[ummtaalib]

Bay’at refers to the promise of allegiance that the Seeker takes with the Shaykh that he will not go against the dictates of the Shari’ah. Bay’at is Sunnah while Islah–e-Nafs (self reformation) is obligatory.

 

One is the concept of Bay’at and the other is the concept of Islaah -e- Nafs (purification of the soul).

 

Islaah -e- Nafs refers to the purification of the soul from the bad qualities (Akhlaaqe – Razeelah) and to imbibe within ourselves the good/praiseworthy qualities (Akhlaaqe – Hameedah). Islaah al- Nafs is Fardh (obligatory) on every mature adult Muslim.

 

Doctor Abdul Hayy Arifi (A well known Shaykh of Tasawwuf) once said,

 

“There is only one way to meet Him (Allah),

Seek the road from those who have already found Him.”

 

He also said,

 

“Only they will get Him who have a thirst,

Only they will find Him who seek Him.”

 

Shaykh Jalaluddeen Rumi ® says,

 

“Your spiritual state has become weak owing to constant sinning and leading a life of neglect. Your soul has become like a rabbit, when it faces your Nafs (carnal self) which is like a lion and a rabbit will never over power a lion. Your Nafs is the lion and your soul is the rabbit on account of its spiritual weakness. Strengthen yourself spiritually through establishing a link with a saint.”

 

 

Munaasabat (Congeniality) with the Shaykh

 

Experience has proven that for gaining spiritual benefit mutual Munaasabat (congeniality/compatibility) between the Shaykh and the Mureed (Seeker) exists. Without the existence of this congeniality and amiability, it will be difficult to consult with one’s Shaykh and follow his advices