A Timeless Spiritual Tradition

Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuh 

Following on from last week’s discussion on Tasawwuf, today we focus on the importance of bay’a (the Sufi pledge), an important aspect of Islamic spirituality. 

Bay’a is a spiritual promise between a seeker and a guide (shaykh), where the seekers commits to improving both their outward actions (like prayer) and inner character (like sincerity), under the guidance of the shaykh. This agreement can be a vital step in the journey of personal and spiritual refinement with the primary intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah Most High.

The practice of bay’a traces back to the time of the Prophet ﷺ. The sahaba took pledges upon the hands of the Prophet ﷺ on multiple occasions, such as when they accepted Islam, fought in the path of Allah, or made commitments for personal acts of devotion. For example, the Qur’an speaks of the Bay'a al-Ridwan in Surah Fath where the companions at Hudaybiyya committed to stand by the Prophet ﷺ and fight if necessary, pledging their unwavering loyalty to his leadership and mission.

In later centuries, bay’a became formalised within spiritual paths (turuq). For example, four major schools emerged in the Indian Subcontinent: Chishti, Qadri, Naqshbandi, and Suhrawardi. Each of these orders developed structured ways for spiritual growth, focusing on both outward observance of the Shar’iah and inward purification of the heart.

The bay’a is often described as a seeker "selling" themselves to the shaykh. This metaphor highlights the complete trust the seeker must place in the shaykh’s spiritual guidance, embarking on a journey that requires both courage and humility. As Shaykh Masihullah Khan mentions, “He [the seeker] should understand and accept that the advice, prescriptions, admonitions and prohibitions of the shaykh are all designed and motivated for his spiritual well-being. The seeker shall not interfere with or impede the diagnosis and prescriptions of the shaykh.”

However, simply taking bay’a is not a magic cure; it is just the beginning. The real transformation comes when the seeker makes a sincere effort and perseveres on this spiritual path. It requires constant striving, self-reflection and dedication. Only through consistent hard work and patience can one hope to attain true closeness to Allah Most High and achieve both outward and inward purification.

May Allah grant us righteous mentors, to follow their advice with sincerity, and to purify our hearts for His sake alone.

Wassalam

Munibah

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