■ Historical Background and Purpose of Spiritual Pledge (Bay’ah) in Sufism
Shah Waliullah Muhadith Dehlvi (al-Qaul al-Jameel) explains the historical roots of the spiritual pledge (bay’ah) in Sufism, emphasizing its basis in the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Different types of bay’ah were taken by the Prophet ﷺ for various purposes, such as accepting Islam, migration (hijrah), commitment to jihad, and for strengthening piety, avoiding unnecessary actions, and enjoining good and forbidding evil. During the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen), bay’ah included all these elements as a comprehensive commitment.
As time passed, the political bay’ah linked to governance became less common. When the rulers became disconnected from the spiritual guidance of the people, Sufi masters felt the need to establish bay’ah for the purpose of personal purification (tazkiya), moral reform (islah-e-akhlaq), and enjoining good and forbidding evil. This was aimed at guiding followers (murideen) towards self-purification and piety through the teachings of Sufism.
In bay’ah, when a follower holds the hand of the spiritual guide (murshid), it creates a deep internal state of commitment. This connection has spiritual impacts, and Allah ﷻ has aligned specific actions and statements with these inner transformations. For instance, just as belief in Allah ﷻ, the Prophet ﷺ, and the Last Day reflects an internal conviction, bay’ah serves as a visible sign of the internal resolution to repent and abstain from sins, a pledge that deepens the follower’s commitment to piety and spiritual growth.
For a follower, remaining true to the teachings of the guide means adhering to prescribed supplications, staying away from major sins, and showing devotion in obligatory and recommended worship. This commitment must be coupled with the intent to withdraw from worldly distractions and strive against desires. True spiritual growth is when this dedication becomes a natural habit, lighting the heart with tranquility and purity. This is the essence of Ihsan (spiritual excellence), which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described as the next level after Islam and faith (Iman). Neglecting these commitments and remaining engrossed in worldly desires violates the bay’ah and breaks the pledge.
Source: Author Name: Sufi Muhammad Hussain (Khalifa of Maulana Abdurehman Raypuri), Book Name: Tazkiya Nafs ma Islah-e-Haal, Maqadama: Maulana Abdul Qayyum Haqqani, Nazar-e-Thaani: Maulana Muhammad Zaman Kalachwi, al-Qasim Academy, Jamia Abu Hurraira, ● Posted by FJ in FB 11.11.24
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 