Chapter: 3 Allegiance (Bay’at)
What is Allegiance (Bay’at)?
The meaning of allegiance is to accept a personality as one’s leader in order to achieve a certain goal or destination. One meaning of allegiance is that contract under which the person being initiated surrenders his will and authorities to a perfect personality.
In the terminology of Tasawwuf, when a Muslim places his hand in the hand of a Friend of Allah (Wali Allah) and makes a covenant for the renewal of faith, repentance, and returning towards Allah, and surrenders himself to a spiritual guide (Murshid) for the purification of the self (Tazkiyah-e-Nafs) and the cleansing of the inner self (Tasfiyah-e-Batin) so that he may traverse the stations of proximity to Allah, then this process is named Allegiance (Bay’at).
Types of Allegiance (Bay’at):
Hazrat Imam Nasai has described the following types of Allegiance:
- Allegiance upon listening and obeying.
- Allegiance upon not seizing the government from the rulers.
- Allegiance upon speaking the word of truth.
- Allegiance upon speaking with justice.
- Allegiance upon giving preference to someone.
- Allegiance upon demonstrating sincerity for every Muslim.
- Allegiance upon not fleeing from the battlefield.
- Allegiance upon death.
- Allegiance upon Jihad.
- Allegiance upon Migration (Hijrat).
- Allegiance upon liked and disliked actions.
- Allegiance of being separate and detached from the polytheist (Mushrik).
- Allegiance to women.
- Allegiance of one who has a disease.
- Allegiance of a boy.
- Allegiance of slaves. (Nasai Kitab al-Bay’at)
Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlawi states that the Sunnah nature of allegiance is proven from Hadith and it is also proven that allegiance is a means of proximity to Allah. He states that people used to perform the following allegiance with the Holy Prophet Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him:
- Allegiance of accepting Islam.
- Sometimes allegiance upon Migration (Hijrat).
- Sometimes allegiance upon the establishment of pillars (meaning Prayer, Fasting, Hajj, Zakat).
- Sometimes allegiance upon following the Sunnah.
- Sometimes allegiance upon holding the rope of piety (Taqwa).
- Sometimes allegiance upon avoiding innovation (Bid’at).
- Sometimes allegiance upon not wailing (Noohah).
- Allegiance upon performing Jihad and remaining steadfast. (Risalah al-Qawl al-Jamil)
Shah Rafiuddin has divided allegiance into five types:
- Allegiance of Livelihood (Bay’at-e-Ma’ishat)
- Allegiance of Means (Bay’at-e-Wasilat)
- Allegiance of Sharia (Bay’at-e-Shariat)
- Allegiance of Tariqa (Bay’at-e-Tariqat)
- Allegiance of Reality (Bay’at-e-Haqiqat) (Risalah Maqalat-e-Ihsani)
Quranic Verses Related to Allegiance (Bay’at)
1. Allah the Almighty commands in the Holy Quran:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُبَايِعُونَكَ إِنَّمَا يُبَايِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ يَدُ ٱللَّهِ فَوْقَ أَيْدِيهِمْ ۚ فَمَن نَّكَثَ فَإِنَّمَا يَنكُثُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِمَا عَـٰهَدَ عَلَيْهُ ٱللَّهَ فَسَيُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
Translation: Those who swear allegiance to you (O dear Prophet), indeed swear allegiance to Allah; the Hand of Allah is above their hands; so whoever breaks his oath, has broken it to his own harm; and whoever fulfills the covenant he has with Allah – Allah will soon give him a great reward. (Surah Al-Fath, Para 26, Verse Number 10)
- Allah the Almighty commands in the Holy Quran:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِذَا جَاءَكَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتُ يُبَايِعْنَكَ عَلَىٰ أَنْ لَا يُشْرِكْنَ بِاللَّهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَسْرِقْنَ وَلَا يَزْنِينَ وَلَا يَقْتُلْنَ أَوْلَادَهُنَّ وَلَا يَأْتِينَ بِبُهْتَانٍ يَفْتَرِينَهُ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِنَّ وَأَرْجُلِهِنَّ وَلَا يَعْصِينَكَ فِي مَعْرُوفٍ ۙ فَبَايِعْهُنَّ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُنَّ اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
Translation: O Prophet! If Muslim women come to you to take a path of allegiance with you, that they will not associate any partner with Allah, and will not steal, and will not commit adultery, and will not kill their children, and will not bring the calumny which they carry between their hands and feet, and will not disobey you in any good; then accept their allegiance and seek forgiveness from Allah for them; indeed Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Al-Mumtahinah, Para 28, Verse Number 12)
This blessed verse was revealed on the day of the Conquest of Makkah. When the Holy Prophet Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him finished with the allegiance of the men, he started the allegiance of the women. The allegiance of women was only through speech and the Prophet Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him never touched the hand of any woman performing allegiance (Bay’at). Molvi Ashraf Ali Thanvi states that this verse is explicit regarding the purpose of allegiance.
- Allah the Almighty commands in the Holy Quran:
وَمَنْ أَوْفَى بِمَا عَهَدَ عَلَيْهُ اللَّهَ فَسَيُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
Translation: And whoever fulfills the covenant he has with Allah – Allah will soon bestow upon him a great reward. (Surah Al-Fath, Para 26, Verse Number 10)
In reality, allegiance is a promise made upon the hand of a Friend of Allah to fulfill the commands of Allah the Almighty.
- Regarding allegiance of al-Ridwan, Allah the Almighty commands in the Holy Quran:
لَّقَدْ رَضِيَ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ يُبَايِعُونَكَ تَحْتَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ
Translation: Indeed Allah was well pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance to you (O dear Prophet) under the tree. (Surah Al-Fath, Para 26, Verse Number 18)
- Allah the Almighty commands in the Holy Quran:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ ٱلْجَنَّةَ ۚ
Translation: Indeed Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth in exchange for Paradise. (Surah Al-Tawbah, Para 11, Verse Number 111)
A true believer is one who applies the commands of Allah the Almighty upon his life and wealth. That is, a believer has already surrendered the authority of his life and wealth to Allah the Almighty.
For such personalities, there is a glad tiding of a very great success from Allah the Almighty in these blessed verses. It is stated:
وَمَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِۦ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ فَٱسْتَبْشِرُوا۟ بِبَيْعِكُمُ ٱلَّذِى بَايَعْتُم بِهِۦ وَ ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ
Translation: And who fulfills his promise better than Allah? Therefore rejoice upon your trade which you have made with Him; and this is the supreme triumph. (Surah Al-Tawbah, Para 11, Verse Number 111)
Upon this Bay’at, the believers are commanded to rejoice and the fulfillment of its requirements has been declared as a very great success.
- Allah the Almighty commands in the Holy Quran:
يَا يُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُو اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّدِقِينَ
Translation: O People who Believe! Fear Allah, and be with the truthful. (Surah Al-Tawbah, Para 11, Verse Number 119)
In this blessed verse, the believers are commanded to adopt piety and to come into the company of truthful people, and in the word “Kunu” (be), there is a command to establish a permanent connection and contact with the truthful people.
Blessed Ahadith Related to Allegiance (Bay’at)
- بَايَعْنَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى السَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ فِي الْعُسْرِ وَالْيُسْرِ وَالْمَنْشَطِ وَالْمَكْرَهِ وَعَلَى أَثَرَةٍ عَلَيْنَا وَأَنْ لاَ نُنَازِعَ الأَمْرَ أَهْلَهُ إِلاَّ أَنْ تَرَوْا كُفْرًا بَوَاحًا عِنْدَكُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ فِيهِ بُرْهَانٌ وَعَلَى أَنْ نَقُولَ بِالْحَقِّ أَيْنَمَا كُنَّا لاَ نَخَافُ فِي اللَّهِ لَوْمَةَ لائِمٍ
Summary: Hazrat Ubada bin Samit says that we performed Bay’at with the Holy Messenger Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him that we will listen and obey in every condition, whether it be a state of hardship or ease, and in a state of happiness and in a state of dislike as well, and even in that situation when others are given preference over us. (Bukhari and Muslim)
In the commentary of this Hadith, Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya states that this is the same allegiance (Bay’at) of the Sufis which was performed for the purpose of emphasis on the matters of Islam.
- عَلَى الْجِهَادِ مَا بَقِينَا أَبَدًا نَحْنُ الَّذِينَ بَايَعُوا مُحَمَّدًا
Translation: We are those who have pledged allegiance (Bay’at) with Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him for Jihad as long as we remain alive (when the Noble Companions were digging the trench in the Battle of Ahzab, this verse was on their tongues). (Bukhari)
- عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: مَنْ مَاتَ وَلَيْسَ فِي عُنُقِهِ بَيْعَةٌ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً، وَمَنْ خَلَعَ يَدًا مِنْ طَاعَةٍ لَقِيَ اللَّهَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا حُجَّةَ لَهُ
Translation: Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar: “Whoever dies without having a pledge of allegiance (Bay’at) on his neck, dies a death of the days of ignorance (Jahiliyyah). And whoever withdraws his hand from obedience will meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection without having any excuse for himself.”. (Muslim – Mishkat)
- عَنْ عَوْفِ بْنِ مَالِكِ الأَشْجَعِيِّ قَالَ كُنَّا عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ تِسْعَةً أَوْ ثَمَانِيَةً أَوْ سَبْعَةً فَقَالَ: “أَلَا تُبَايِعُونَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ” وَكُنَّا حَدِيثَ عَهْدٍ بِبَيْعَةٍ فَقُلْنَا: قَدْ بَايَعْنَاكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: “أَلا تُبَايِعُونَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ” فَقُلْنَا: قَدْ بَايَعْنَاكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: “أَلا تُبَايِعُونَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ” قَالَ فَبَسَطْنَا أَيْدِيَنَا وَقُلْنَا: قَدْ بَايَعْنَاكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَعَلَامَ نُبَايِعُكَ؟ قَالَ: “عَلَى أَنْ تَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَالصَّلَوَاتِ الْخَمْسِ وَتُطِيعُوا” — وَأَسَرَّ كَلِمَةً خَفِيَّةً — “وَلَا تَسْأَلُوا النَّاسَ شَيْئًا” فَلَقَدْ رَأَيْتُ بَعْضَ أُولَئِكَ النَّفَرِ يَسْقُطُ سَوْطُ أَحَدِهِمْ فَمَا يَسْأَلُ أَحَدًا يُنَاوِلُهُ إِيَّاهُ
Translation: Narrated by ‘Auf bin Malik al-Ashja’i: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), nine, eight, or seven of us, and he said: ‘Will you not swear allegiance to the Messenger of Allah?’ We had recently taken a pledge, so we said: ‘We have already sworn allegiance to you, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said again: ‘Will you not swear allegiance to the Messenger of Allah?’ So we stretched out our hands and said: ‘We have already sworn allegiance to you, O Messenger of Allah; so on what basis shall we swear allegiance to you (now)?’
He said: ‘That you should worship Allah and not associate anything with Him, and the five daily prayers, and that you should obey’—and then he whispered a word quietly—’and that you do not ask people for anything.’ I saw some of those people, if a whip fell from one of their hands, they would not ask anyone to hand it back to them.” (Sahih Muslim Hadith Number 1043, Abu Dawud, Nasai)
In this Hadith, there is an explicit proof of The Allegiance of the Spiritual Path (Bay’at-e-Tariqat).
- One day the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him was seated and a few great companions were sitting in a circle around him peace and blessings be upon him. The Messenger of Allah said to them: بَايِعُونِي عَلَى أَنْ لَا تُشْرِكُوا بِاللَّهِ شَيْئًا۔ Perform Allegiance (Bay’at) with me on this condition that you will not associate anyone with Allah the Almighty. (Mira’at al-Ashiqeen)
- It is narrated from Hazrat Utbah bin Abd:بابعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سبع بيعات خمس على الطاعته واثنين على المحبه
Translation: I pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) seven times: five pledges upon obedience, and two pledges upon love. (Hayat al-Sahaba 1:232)
- Abu Nu’aym and Ibn Asakir narrate from Hazrat Anas bin Malik:قال بابعت النبی صلى الله عليه وسلم بيدى هذا على السمع والطاعته فيما استطعت
He says that I pledged allegiance (Bay’at) with this hand before you (peace and blessings be upon him) upon listening and obeying as much as I have the strength. (Hayat al-Sahaba 1:232)
- Blessed Hadith: مَنْ خَلَعَ يَدًا مِنْ طَاعَةٍ لَقِيَ اللَّهَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا حُجَّةَ لَهُ، وَمَنْ مَاتَ وَلَيْسَ فِي عُنُقِهِ بَيْعَةٌ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً
Muslim has narrated from Abdullah bin Umar Allah be pleased with both of them, Whoever withdraws his hand from obedience will meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection without having any excuse for himself; and whoever dies without having a pledge of allegiance (Bay’at) on his neck, dies a death of the days of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).
The blessed saying of Hazrat Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq is that: لَا تَصِحُّ الْعِبَادَةُ إِلَّا بِاالتَّوْبَةِ لَانَّ اللهَ تَعَالَى قَدَّمَ التَّوْبَةَ عَلَى الْعِبَادَةِ قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى التَّائِبُونَ الْعَبدُونَ
Translation: Worship cannot be correct and sound without repentance because Allah the Almighty has placed repentance before worship. Allah the Almighty said: Only those who repent are the ones who worship.
Meaning, The path (Tariqat) begins only through repentance on the hand of a perfect personality, that is why it is commanded in the Holy Quran that:
وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا۟ إِلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى رَحِيمٌۭ وَدُودٌ
Translation: And seek forgiveness from your Lord and then turn to Him in repentance; indeed my Lord is Most Merciful, Most Affectionate. (Surah Hud, Para 12, Verse 90)
Allegiance is actually the name for repenting and returning towards that Holy Being. Only after this, the sweetness of worship is felt. Hazrat Maulana Rumi states:
دست پیراز غائباں کوتاہ نیست دست او جز قبضه الله نیست
Translation: The hand of the Spiritual Guide (Pir) (due to his attention and spiritual grace) has an effect even upon those who are absent, and to pledge allegiance (Bay’at) on his hand is as if one is repenting and making a covenant with the Truth (Allah) the Almighty indirectly
چونکه دست خود بدست او وہی پس زوست آکلاں بیروں جہی
Translation: The day you pledge allegiance (Bay’at) and perfor repentance on the hand of a perfect saint (Wali-e-Kamil), on that very day you will gain release from the trap of all the misleading groups and their false ideologies. (Mathnawi Maulana Rumi)
- Hazrat Bashir bin Khasasiya (may Allah be pleased with him) says:
“I presented myself in the service of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for the purpose of allegiance (Bay’at), and I asked: ‘Upon which matters do you take this allegiance (Bay’at) from me?’ Our Master (Sayyiduna) the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spread both his blessed hands (for the purpose of performing the pledge) and said:
That you bear witness to the fact that there is no god but Allah the Almighty alone, without partner, and that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and His Messenger (Rasool). That you should perform the five daily prayers (Salah) at their respective times. That you should pay the obligatory charity (Zakat). That you should keep the fasts (Sawm) of Ramadan. That you should perform the pilgrimage (Hajj). And that you should perform striving (Jihad) in the path of Allah the Almighty.’
He (Bashir) submitted: ‘O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), I have the strength for all these things except two. One is obligatory charity (Zakat), because I only have ten camels; they are for providing milk for my family and for riding. Secondly, I do not have the strength for striving (Jihad) because I am weak-hearted, and people say that whoever flees from striving (Jihad) incurs the anger (Ghadab) of Allah the Almighty. I fear that if I participate, I might flee due to the fear of death and thus be afflicted by the anger of Allah the Almighty.’
So, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) withdrew his blessed hands, moved them, and said: ‘O Bashir! When there is no charity (Zakat) and no striving (Jihad), then how will you enter Paradise (Jannah)?’ I then submitted: ‘Alright, spread your hand, I perform allegiance (Bay’at).’ Then the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spread his blessed hand and I performed allegiance (Bay’at) on all the matters mentioned above.”
(Hayat al-Sahaba)
- There is a narration of Hazrat Jarir that he performed allegiance (Bay’at) with the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him upon the establishment of prayer and paying Zakat and upon the fact that I will wish well for every Muslim. In another narration it is like this: the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said: Jarir! Spread your hand; so I submitted for what purpose? So he peace and blessings be upon him said: For this purpose that you make yourself an obedient servant of Allah the Almighty and wish well for every Muslim. He heard this carefully and the man was very intelligent, therefore he submitted: O Messenger of Allah, as far as I have strength. So after this, this saying of Hazrat Jarir became a cause of ease for the people.
- Hazrat Abu Umama states that the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said: Is there anyone who will perform Bay’at with me? So Hazrat Thoban submitted: Please initiate us (perform Bay’at). Our Master the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him took Bay’at on this matter that he will not ask anything from anyone; so Hazrat Thoban submitted: What will he get for this? So he peace and blessings be upon him said: Paradise! So Hazrat Thoban performed Bay’at.
- Many words of the Hadith of Hazrat Abu Dharr have been narrated from many chains that the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him took Bay’at from me five times on this that I should not fear the reproach of any reproacher regarding Allah the Almighty Subhanuhu, while one Hadith is like this that our Master the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said to Abu Dharr: Wait for six days and on the seventh day I will say one thing to you, understand it well. On the seventh day he peace and blessings be upon him said: Firstly, I bequeath to you the piety (Taqwa) of Allah the Almighty in loneliness and also in a gathering, in seclusion and also in public. And when any evil happens, then immediately after it do some good work; and do not ask from anyone even if your whip falls, and do not keep the trust (Amanat) of anyone.
- عَنْ أُمَيْمَةَ بِنْتِ رُقَيْقَةَ أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ : أَتَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي نِسْوَةٍ مِنَ الْأَنْصَارِ نُبَايِعُهُ، فَقُلْنَا : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، نبَايِعُكَ عَلَى أَنْ لَا نُشْرِكَ بِاللَّهِ شَيْئًا، وَلَا نَسْرِقَ ، وَلَا نَزْنِي، وَلَا نَأْتِيَ بِبُهْتَانِ نَفْتَرِيهِ بَيْنَ أَيْدِينَا وَأَرْجُلِنَا، وَلَا نَعْصِيكَ فِي مَعْرُوفٍ ، قَالَ : « فِيمَا اسْتَطَعْتُنَّ، وَأَطَقْتُنَّ . «قَالَتْ : قُلْنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَرْحَمُ بِنَا، هَلُمَّ نُبَايِعُكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: « إِنِّي لَا أُصَافِحُ النِّسَاءَ، إِنَّمَا قَوْلِي لِمِائَةِ امْرَأَةٍ كَقَوْلِي لا مرَأَةٍ وَاحِدَةٍ، أَوْ مِثْلُ قَوْلِي لِامْرَأَةٍ وَاحِدَةٍ
Translation: It is narrated by Umaymah bint Ruqayqah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: “I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) among a group of women from the Ansar to perform allegiance (Bay’at) to him. We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, we perform allegiance (Bay’at) to you on the condition that we will not associate anything with Allah, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor utter slander that we intentionally fabricate, nor disobey you in any good.’
He replied: ‘In what you are able and have the strength to do.’
She said: ‘We replied that Allah and His Messenger are more merciful to us than we are to ourselves. Come, let us give you our allegiance (Bay’at), O Messenger of Allah!’
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) then said: ‘Indeed, I do not shake hands (Musafahah) with women. My word to a hundred women is like my word to a single woman.'” (Sunan Nasai Hadith Number 4181)
- عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ لَمَّا أُمِرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِبَيْعَةِ الرِّضْوَانِ كَانَ عُثْمَانُ بْنُ عَفَّانَ رَسُولَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِلَى أَهْلِ مَكَّةَ قَالَ فَبَايَعَ النَّاسَ قَالَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ عُثْمَانَ فِي حَاجَةِ اللَّهِ وَحَاجَةِ رَسُولِهِ فَضَرَبَ بِإِحْدَى يَدَيْهِ عَلَى الْأُخْرَى فَكَانَتْ يَدُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِعُثْمَانَ خَيْرًا مِنْ أَيْدِيهِمْ لِأَنْفُسِهِمْ
Translation: Narrated by Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): “When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was commanded to take the Pledge of Pleasure (Bay’at al-Ridwan), Uthman bin Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) was serving as the envoy of the Messenger of Allah to the people of Mecca. The Prophet took the pledge (Bay’at) from the people. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Indeed, Uthman is away on the business of Allah and the business of His Messenger.’ He then struck one of his hands against the other (representing Uthman’s hand). Thus, the hand of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) for Uthman was better than their own hands were for themselves.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi Hadith Number 3702)
- عَنْ قَتَادَةَ قُلْتُ لِسَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّ جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ كَانَ يَقُولُ كَانُوا أَرْبَعَ عَشْرَةَ مِائَةً فَقَالَ لِي سَعِيدٌ حَدَّثَنِي جَابِرٌ كَانُوا خَمْسَ عَشْرَةَ مِائَةَ الَّذِينَ بَايَعُوا النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَوْمَ الْحُدَيْبِيَةِ
Translation: It is narrated from Hazrat Qatada, he said that I said to Hazrat Sa’id bin al-Musayyib: This news has reached me that according to the saying of Hazrat Jabir, the number of people on the day of Hudaibiyah was fourteen hundred, so Hazrat Sa’id bin al-Musayyib said: Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah told me that they were fifteen hundred who had performed allegiance (Bay’at) on the hand of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him on the day of Hudaibiyah. (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 4153)
- حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ سَلَمَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: بَايَعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، ثُمَّ عَدَلْتُ إِلَى ظِلِّ الشَّجَرَةِ، فَلَمَّا خَفَّ النَّاسُ قَالَ: «يَا ابْنَ الأكْوَعِ أَلاَ تُبَايِعُ؟» قَالَ: قُلْتُ: قَدْ بَايَعْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، قَالَ: «وَأَيْضًا». فَبَايَعْتُهُ الثَّانِيَةَ، فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: يَا أَبَا مُسْلِمٍ عَلَى أَيِّ شَيْءٍ كُنتُمْ تُبَايِعُونَ يَوْمَئِذٍ؟ قَالَ: عَلَى الْمَوْتِ.
Translation: Yazid bin Abi Ubayd narrated from Salama [bin al-Akwa’] (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “I performed allegiance (Bay’at) to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then I moved away to the shade of a tree. When the crowd of people thinned out, the Prophet said: ‘O Ibn al-Akwa’, will you not perform allegiance (Bay’at)?’ I said: ‘I have already performed allegiance (Bay’at), O Messenger of Allah (Rasoolullah).’ He said: ‘And again (do it once more).’ So I performed allegiance (Bay’at) a second time. I [Yazid] asked him: ‘O Abu Muslim, upon what did you perform allegiance (Bay’at) on that day?’ He replied: ‘Upon death (Al-Mawt).'” (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 2960)
- عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: تَعُدُّونَ أَنْتُمُ الْفَتْحَ فَتْحَ مَكَّةَ، وَقَدْ كَانَ فَتْحُ مَكَّةَ فَتْحًا، وَنَحْنُ نَعُدُّ الْفَتْحَ بَيْعَةَ الرِّضْوَانِ يَوْمَ الْحُدَيْبِيَةِ.
Translation: Narrated by Al-Bara (may Allah be pleased with him): “You consider the Conquest (Al-Fath) to be the Conquest of Mecca, and indeed the Conquest of Mecca was a victory. However, we (the Companions) consider the [true] Conquest (Al-Fath) to be the Pledge of Pleasure (Bay’at al-Ridwan) on the day of Al-Hudaybiyyah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 4150)
- عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ كَعْبِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ كَعْبٍ — وَكَانَ قَائِدَ كَعْبٍ حِينَ عَمِيَ — قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ كَعْبَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ يُحَدِّثُ حِينَ تَخَلَّفَ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي غَزْوَةِ تَبُوكَ بِطُولِهِ. قَالَ ابْنُ بُكَيْرٍ فِي حَدِيثِهِ: “وَلَقَدْ شَهِدْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَيْلَةَ الْعَقَبَةِ حِينَ تَوَاثَقْنَا عَلَى الْإِسْلَامِ، وَمَا أُحِبُّ أَنَّ لِي بِهَا مَشْهَدَ بَدْرٍ، وَإِنْ كَانَتْ بَدْرٌ أَذْكَرَ فِي النَّاسِ مِنْهَا.”
Translation: Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik—who was the guide for his father, Ka’b, after he had lost his sight—narrated that he heard Ka’b bin Malik telling the long story of his staying behind from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during the Battle of Tabuk. Ka’b said (within that narration): “I was present with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the Night of Aqabah when we made a firm covenant upon Islam. And I would not prefer to have been at the Battle of Badr in its place, even though Badr is more famous among the people than the Pledge of Aqabah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 3889)
- عَنْ مُجَاشِعِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: أَتَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَا وَأَخِي، فَقُلْتُ: بَايِعْنَا عَلَى الهِجْرَةِ، فَقَالَ: «مَضَتِ الهِجْرَةُ لِأَهْلِهَا»، فَقُلْتُ: عَلامَ تُبَايِعُنَا؟ قَالَ: «عَلَى الْإِسْلَامِ وَالْجِهَادِ»».
Translation: Narrated by Mujashi’ (may Allah be pleased with him): “I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) along with my brother and said: ‘Take our allegiance (Bay’at) for Migration (Hijrah).’ He replied: ‘The Migration (Hijrah) has passed for those who were meant for it.’
I asked: ‘On what basis then will you take our allegiance (Bay’at)?’ He said: ‘Upon Islam and Striving (Jihad).'” (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 2962)
- عُبَيْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَدِىّ بْنِ الْخِيَارِ أَخْبَرَهُ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى عُثْمَانَ وَقَالَ بِشُرُ بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي عَنُ الزُّهْرِيِّ حَدَّثَنِي عُرْوَةُ بْنُ الزُّبَيْرِ أَنَّ عُبَيْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَدِيٍّ بنِ خِيَارٍ أَخْبَرَهُ قَالَ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى عُثْمَانَ فَتَشَهَّدَ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَمَّا بَعْدُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بَعَثَ مُحَمَّدًا صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِالْحَقِّ وَكُنتُ مِمَّنْ اسْتَجَابَ لِلَّهِ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَآمَنَ بِمَا بُعِثَ بِهِ مُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ثُمَّ هَاجَرُتُ هِجْرَتَيْنِ وَنِلْتُ صِهْرَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَبَايَعْتُهُ فَوَاللَّهِ مَا عَصَيْتُهُ وَلَا غَشَشْتُهُ حَتَّى تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ
Translation: It is narrated from Hazrat Ubaidullah bin Adi bin Khiyar, he said that I presented myself in the service of Hazrat Uthman, then after reading the sermon he said: To proceed, indeed Allah the Almighty sent Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him with the truth and I am among those people who responded to the call of Allah and His Messenger and believed in that Sharia which Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him brought, then I performed two migrations and achieved the honor of being the son-in-law of the Messenger of Allah. I gave him my allegiance (Bay’at). By Allah! I never disobeyed him nor did I ever commit treachery against him until Allah the Almighty caused him to pass away. (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 3927)
- عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ: لَمْ نُبَايِعْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى الْمَوْتِ، إِنَّمَا بَايَعْنَاهُ عَلَى أَنْ لَا نَفِرَّ
Translation: Jabir bin Abdullah Allah be pleased with him says that we had not performed allegiance (Bay’at) upon death with the Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him, we had only performed allegiance (Bay’at) with him that we would not flee (even if its end result becomes death at some point). (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi Hadith Number 1594)
- عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ : جَعَلَ المُهَاجِرُونَ وَالْأَنْصَارُ يَحْفِرُونَ الخَنْدَقَ حَوْلَ الْمَدِينَةِ، وَيَنْقُلُونَ التَّرَابَ عَلَى مُتُونِهِمْ، وَيَقُولُونَ : نَحْنُ الَّذِينَ بَايَعُوا مُحَمَّدًا … عَلَى الإِسْلامِ مَا بَقِينَا أَبَدًا، وَالنَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُجِيبُهُمْ وَيَقُولُ : اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّهُ لَا خَيْرَ إِلَّا خَيْرُ الْآخِرَهُ … فَبَارِكْ فِي الْأَنْصَارِ وَالْمُهَاجِرَهُ
Translation: It is narrated from Hazrat Anas, he said that the Muhajirun and Ansar started digging a trench around Madinah Munawwarah, so they would carry the soil on their backs and bring it out and say: We are those who have performed allegiance (Bay’at) of Jihad on the hand of Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him as long as we ourselves are alive. The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him used to say in their reply: “O Allah! There is no good except the good of the Hereafter, therefore bestow blessing upon the Muhajirun and Ansar.” (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 2835)
- عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ هِشَامٍ — وَكَانَ قَدْ أَدْرَكَ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ — وَذَهَبَتْ بِهِ أُمُّهُ زَيْنَبُ بِنْتُ حُمَيْدٍ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَتْ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، بَايِعْهُ. فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «هُوَ صَغِيرٌ»، فَمَسَحَ رَأْسَهُ وَدَعَا لَهُ، وَكَانَ يُضَحِّي بِالشَّاةِ الْوَاحِدَةِ عَنْ جَمِيعِ أَهْلِهِ.
Translation: Narrated by Abdullah bin Hisham (may Allah be pleased with him): “He had reached the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and his mother, Zaynab bint Humayd, took him to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (Rasoolullah), take the allegiance (Bay’at) from him.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: ‘He is [still] small.’ Then he (the Prophet) stroked his head and prayed for him. Later in life, he (Abdullah) used to sacrifice a single sheep on behalf of his entire family.” (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith Number 7210)
First Allegiance (Bay’at), Second Allegiance (Bay’at), and Spiritual Education from Multiple Spiritual Guides (Sheikhs)
Is it permissible to perform allegiance (Bay’at) a second time?
Can one benefit from the spiritual education and company of multiple spiritual guides (Sheikhs)?
Is the allegiance (Bay’at) of only one Pir sufficient whether he be perfect or deficient?
Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Thani Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi states: Hazrat Khwaja Ahrar (may his secret be sanctified) has said that in the Exalted Naqshbandi Path, the method of spiritual mentorship (Piri-Mureedi) is dependent upon teaching and learning, and not merely upon the cap (Kulah) and the lineage-map (Shajrah) which are prevalent among most other paths (Mashaikh). So much so, that some among the later generations have restricted the relationship of Piri-Mureedi solely to the cap (Kulah) and lineage-map (Shajrah); they do not permit a plurality of spiritual guides (Pir) and they call those who teach the Path (Tariq) “instructors” (Murshid) but do not consider them “guides” (Pir). They do not keep the etiquettes of mentorship (Adab-e-Piri) in view; this is their great ignorance and lack of understanding.
They do not know that the Masters (Mashaikh) have permitted a plurality of guides (Pir). In fact, during the lifetime of the first guide (Pir-e-Awal), if a seeker (Talib) sees his guidance elsewhere, it is permissible for him to take the pledge (Bay’at) of another guide without the rejection of the first.
Hazrat Khwaja Naqshband (may his secret be sanctified) has validated the legal decree (Fatwa) of the scholars of Bukhara for this proposal. He stated that if one has taken the cloak of discipleship (Khirqa-e-Iradat) from one guide (Pir), he may take the cloak of blessing (Khirqa-e-Tabarruk) from another. However, it is by no means necessary that he does not take up a second guide (Pir).
If the cloak of discipleship is from one, the instruction of the Path (Tariqat) from a second, and the company (Sohbat) remains with a third—if these three blessings are attained in one place, then it is a destiny and a favor. And it is permissible to benefit from the teaching and company of multiple Masters (Mashaikh). (Maktubat Imam Rabbani Volume 2, Letter Number 221)
Based on the following reasons, a disciple (Mureed) can leave one guide (Pir) and perform allegiance (Bay’at) with another guide (Pir):
- The purpose of allegiance (Bay’at) is to attain nearness to Allah (Qurb-e-Ilahi). If the guide (Pir) is not observant of Islamic Law (Sharia), nor possesses spiritual capacity, then it is mandatory to break such a pledge (Bay’at); because one who is not himself connected to the Truth (Haq), how can he train others?
- If a disciple (Mureed) is pledged to a person who is observant of Islamic Law (Sharia) and is God-fearing, but the disciple cannot find the influence of his company (Sohbat) or training (Tarbiyah), then he should search for another guide (Pir) for himself. This is because the objective and the sought-after is the Being of Allah the Almighty. It is possible that the spiritual connection (Nisbat) and grace (Faiz) of the guide are associated with some other personality. However, in this situation, one thing is necessary for the disciple (Mureed): that he maintains the respect of the first guide (Pir) and continues his company (Sohbat), because it is possible that the first guide is himself perfect (Kamil).
- If a guide (Pir) passes away and stages of the disciple’s (Mureed) spiritual journey (Suluk) remain to be completed, then in this situation, the disciple (Mureed) must perform allegiance (Bay’at) to some living Friend of Allah (Wali-Allah) and maintain devotion and respect for the first guide (Pir). Although the grace (Faiz) of a perfect Friend of Allah (Wali) continues even after death, it is difficult for a beginner (Mubtadi) to attain grace from the intermediate world (Alam-e-Barzakh). For this reason, it has been the way of all the great Masters (Mashaikh) to take a living personality as a guide (Pir) and complete the spiritual journey (Suluk) under their supervision. Only after self-annihilation (Fana-ul-Qalb) can one attain grace from the Saints (Awliya) of the intermediate world.
- If the guide (Pir) or the disciple (Mureed) moves to another country and physical meetings are not possible, then a living company (Sohbat) is necessary. This is because physical proximity holds great importance for spiritual grace. Just as Hazrat Owais Qarni (may Allah be pleased with him) was not included in the list of the Companions (Sahaba-e-Kiram), but rather at the top of the list of the Successors (Tabi’een), because an outward meeting with the Master of the Universe (peace and blessings be upon him) did not occur, despite the fact that he occupied a sublime level of love.
Hazrat Qazi Thanaullah Panipati states in his Tafsir Mazhari: “If a person remains in the company of his guide (Pir) for a long period and does not find the influence of his company, it is obligatory (Wajib) upon him to leave that guide (Pir) and search for another Sheikh. Otherwise, that person’s objective and worshipped one would be the Sheikh, rather than Allah the Almighty, and this is shameful (shirk).”
Khwaja Azizan Ali Ramitani (may his secret be sanctified), who is a great elder of the Naqshbandi Path, states: “When you are in the company of a guide (Pir) and you do not attain peace of heart, and the impurities of ‘water and clay’ (the world) are not removed from you, then run away from the company of such a guide (Pir), or else your soul will suffer. However, maintain a good opinion (Husn-e-Zann) of the old Sheikh, as it is possible he is perfect and complete (Kamil-o-Akmal) but it is not in the disciple’s destiny to receive grace from his company.” Similarly, if the perfect Sheikh departs from the world before the disciple (Mureed) reaches the degree of perfection, then it is obligatory (Wajib) upon the disciple (Mureed) to seek the company of another Sheikh, because the objective is Allah the Almighty.
Now, for further clarification of the aforementioned questions, some Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram) are mentioned who benefited from more than one Sheikh and did not restrict themselves to only one Sheikh:
Hazrat Abu Hamza Baghdadi was a disciple of Hazrat Harith [al-Muhasibi], but also benefited from the company of Hazrat Sari Saqati.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Shibli performed repentance (Tawbah) at the hand of Hazrat Khayr al-Nassaj and performed allegiance (Bay’at) at the hand of Hazrat Junayd Baghdadi.
Similarly, Ghaus al-Azam Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani had four guides (Pirs): the first was his father Hazrat Sheikh Abu Salih, the second Abu Sa’id Makhzoomi, the third Hazrat Hammad Abbas, and the fourth Hazrat Sheikh Abu al-Wafa (may their secrets be sanctified). (Bustan al-Salikeen)
Now for further explanation of the aforementioned questions, some of the Noble Saints are mentioned who benefited from more than one Sheikh and they did not limit themselves only to one Sheikh:
Hazrat Abu Hamza Baghdadi was the disciple of Hazrat Harith but also benefited from the company of Hazrat Sari Saqati. Hazrat Abu Bakr Shibli performed repentance on the hand of Hazrat Khair al-Nassaj and performed Allegiance (Bay’at) on the hand of Hazrat Junayd Baghdadi. Similarly, the Ghaus al-Azam Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani had four Guide (Pir)s: one was your honorable father Hazrat Sheikh Abu Salih, second Abu Sa’id Makhzumi, third Hazrat Hammad Dabbas, and fourth Hazrat Sheikh Abu Wafa may his secret be sanctified. (Reference Durr al-Ma’arif Malfuzat Shah Ghulam Ali)
Similarly, Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Thani Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi performed allegiance (Bay’at) at the hand of his father, Sheikh Abdul Ahad, and attained successorship (Khilafat) in the Chishtiyya Order. However, later, in the Naqshbandiyya Order, he performed allegiance (Bay’at) at the hand of Hazrat Khwaja Baqi Billah, attained successorship (Khilafat), and then primarily promoted the Exalted Naqshbandiyya Order. Hazrat Qazi Thanaullah Panipati performed his first allegiance (Bay’at) to Hazrat Abid Sunnami, while his second allegiance (Bay’at) and successorship (Khilafat) were attained from Hazrat Mirza Mazhar Jan-e-Janan.
Question: Can the offspring of perfect Saints (Awliya-e-Kamilin) perform allegiance (Bay’at) to other Masters (Mashaikh), or is it sufficient for them just to be the offspring of Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram) and spiritual training is not necessary?
Answer: Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Thani states that after the Master of the Universe (peace and blessings be upon him) departed from this physical world, the Companions (Sahaba-e-Kiram) performed allegiance (Bay’at) to the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashidin) one after another. This was not merely a pledge of caliphate (Bay’at-e-Khilafat), but rather it was a spiritual pledge (Ruhani Bay’at) and a pledge of the Path (Tariqat). Therefore, the renewal of allegiance (Tajdid-e-Bay’at) is proven by the action of the Companions (Sahaba-e-Kiram). (Maktubat Imam Rabbani)
Furthermore, it was mentioned on previous pages that even unparalleled personalities like Hazrat Ghaus al-Azam and Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Thani performed allegiance (Bay’at) at the hands of other perfect Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram) to attain nearness to Allah (Qurb-e-Ilahi). Although these great personalities had already received spiritual grace and blessings from their forefathers, if the offspring of a Friend of Allah (Wali-Allah) has not passed through the stages of spiritual purification (Tazkiyah) and cleansing (Tasfiyah), then performing allegiance (Bay’at) and completing the spiritual journey (Suluk) of gnosis (Ma’rifat) and Divine Nearness is just as necessary and mandatory for them as it is for a common person. This is because the instructions of the great Saints (Awliya) clearly show that Sainthood (Wilayat) is a gift from Allah the Almighty; it is not a hereditary thing, but rather something acquired (Kasbi). Sainthood (Wilayat) is not reserved for any single family, nor are the doors to attaining it closed for common Muslims. As the history of the Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram) shows, there are many Saints (Awliya) whose forefathers were not Saints (Awliya).
Question: If a person was a disciple (Mureed) of a Friend of Allah (Wali-Allah), is it necessary for his offspring to perform allegiance (Bay’at) to that Saint’s offspring, or should they perform allegiance (Bay’at) at the hand of another Friend of Allah (Wali)?
Answer: The purpose of allegiance (Bay’at) is to attain internal graces and lights from the chests of the Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram), not to establish formal relationships. If there are perfect Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram) among the offspring of a Friend of Allah (Wali-Allah), then in that case, the offspring of the disciples (Mureedirn) can perform allegiance (Bay’at) there. However, if the offspring of the Saints (Awliya) do not possess Sainthood (Wilayat), then it is not appropriate for the offspring of the disciples (Mureedirn) to perform allegiance (Bay’at) there. To save themselves from the evil of the self (Nafs) and Satan, they should search for some perfect Friend of Allah (Wali-e-Kamil) and perform allegiance (Bay’at).
The Method of Allegiance (Tariqa-e-Bay’at)
The method for a disciple (Mureed) to perform allegiance (Bay’at) in the Exalted Naqshbandiyya Order is as follows: The disciple (Mureed) sits before the Sheikh in a state of ablution (Wudu), with their knees touching the knees of the Sheikh, and the disciple (Mureed) places their hands into the blessed hands of the Sheikh. The Sheikh, while holding the hands of the disciple (Mureed), commands them to repeat the following words along with him:
- A’udhu billahi and Bismillah (Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah)
- The Testimony of Faith (Kalimah Shahadat)
- The Detailed and Summary Creeds of Faith (Iman-e-Mufassal and Iman-e-Mujmal)
- I am pleased with Allah the Almighty as Lord, with Islam as my religion, and with our Master Muhammad ﷺ as Prophet and Messenger.رَضِيتُ بِاللَّهِ تَعَالَىٰ رَبًّا وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا وَبِسَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ نَبِيًّا وَرَسُولًا
- I seek forgiveness/repentance (As-salu Tawbah) — three times.
- The Sheikh places the index finger of his right hand (supported by the thumb and middle finger) upon the Latifa-e-Qalb (Subtle Center of the Heart) of the disciple (Mureed). While reciting the Essential Name “Allah” three times, he opens the disciple’s (Mureed’s) heart to the Latifa-e-Qalb by transferring the light (Noor) of the word “Allah” from his own heart through spiritual attention (Tawajjuh). In this way, the heart of the disciple (Mureed) receives a luminous connection (Noorani Connection) and link that passes through the hearts of the Saints (Awliya-e-Kiram) of the chain (Silsila) and reaches the pure and radiant heart of the Master of the Universe ﷺ, which is the source and treasury of internal graces and lights.
- The Sheikh commands the disciple (Mureed) to “strike” the heart with the name “Allah,” meaning to engage in its remembrance (Dhikr) at all times.
- The Sheikh commands the disciple (Mureed) to remain steadfast upon the pure Islamic Law (Sharia-e-Mutahhara) and instructs them on the following of the Sunnah (Ittiba-e-Sunnat).
- The Sheikh prays to Allah the Almighty for the disciple’s (Mureed’s) forgiveness (Istighfar) and steadfastness (Istiqamah).
- The Sheikh commands the disciple (Mureed) to maintain regular attendance in internal company (Sohbat-e-Batiniyya) to attain graces (Faiz).
Just like in the Exalted Naqshbandiyya Order, during the time of allegiance (Bay’at) in all other orders, the remembrance (Dhikr) related to that specific chain (such as Allah, Allah, Allahu Allah, La ilaha illallah, etc.) and the internal lights (Noor) and subtle centers (Lata’if) (such as the Latifa-e-Qalb or Latifa-e-Nafs, etc.) are spiritually transferred through attention (Tawajjuh). Then, the disciple (Mureed) is given permission for the litanies (Adhkar) according to the method of the respective order, and instructions regarding etiquette (Adab) and other matters are provided.
Author: Sheikh Muhammad Ajmal Khan Mustafai
Translated by: Mukhtiar Ali Qadri
