Question:
Respected Mufti Saheb
Is there any specific reasons why somebody would pledge allegiance to a sheikh
Answer:
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Respected Brother
The concept of Bai’at (Taking allegiance) is explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an and the Ahadith of the Prophet Sallalalahu Alayhi Wassallam.
My honored Ustaad and Sheikul Hadith, Mufti Ebrahim Desai Muddazilluh mentioned the following reason for having a Sheikh:
When a person experiences difficulties in reforming himself and he requires the assistance of an expert to assist him in the reformation process. In order to achieve that, he takes Bai’at as an expression of determination and submission to obey his spiritual mentor. His Mentor then takes it upon himself to guide his Mureed by which in return the Mureed undertakes to obey his command. Therefore through this type of Bai’at, one could achieve maximum benefit and results, by which he could become from amongst the Muttaqeen and pious servants of Allah.
We make Dua Allah Ta‘ala grants you the ability to remain steadfast on his Deen and follow the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Sallalahu Allayhi Wassallam. Aameen
And Allah Ta‘ala knows best
Mufti Luqman Hansrot
Fatwa Dept.