Islaah (Spiritual Reformation)

Q: I have a reformative relation with a shaikh who is khalifa majaz of Shah Hakeem Akhtar sahib DB but I am still not bayah with him. Its been a year like that. But recently there is a fear in my mind that if do not get bayah I will not  be able to remain steadfast on deen.

1. Is bayah necessary to remain steadfast on deen?
2. How will I come to know that I have munsabet with the above shaikh?
3. Secondly my family background is also not very religious but I want to remain close with my deen because it has made me better person alhamdulillah.

Under this condition will bayah be helpful?

A: 

1. Islaah (Reforming one’s inner and outer self) is fardh (obligatory) in Deen. Bay’at is a Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). For one to try and reform himself independently is extremely difficult. Hence, we are commanded to remain committed to the teachings and guidance of the mashaaikh (those who follow the complete Sunnah).

2. If you perceive the following aspects then consider it a sign of munaasabat.
   • You find him to be one who adheres to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).
   • You have muhabbat for him and you find a natural inclination towards him.
   • You have confidence in him being able to guide you to Allah Ta’aala.
   • You feel that you are deriving benefit in his company (e.g. your faults and sins become evident to you and you perceive a motivation towards changing your life and coming on the Sunnah.) 

3. The men-folk in your family should associate with the pious servants of Allah Ta’aala and go out in Jamaat. The women-folk should make ta’leem at home of the fazaail kitaabs and behishti zewar. 

عن أبي مسلم الخولاني قال حدثني الحبيب الأمين أما هو فحبيب إلي وأما هو عندي فأمين عوف بن مالك الأشجعي  قال كنا عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم تسعة أو ثمانية أو سبعة فقال ألا تبايعون رسول الله وكنا حديث عهد ببيعة فقلنا قد بايعناك يا رسول الله ثم قال ألا تبايعون رسول الله فقلنا قد بايعناك يا رسول الله ثم قال ألا تبايعون رسول الله قال فبسطنا أيدينا وقلنا قد بايعناك يا رسول الله فعلام نبايعك قال على أن تعبدوا الله ولا تشركوا به شيئا والصلوات الخمس وتطيعوا وأسر كلمة خفية ولا تسألوا الناس شيئا فلقد رأيت بعض أولئك النفر يسقط سوط أحدهم فما يسأل أحدا يناوله إياه (مسلم 1/334)

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَنفَالِ قُلِ الْأَنفَالُ لِلَّـهِ وَالرَّسُولِ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ﴿الأنفال: ١﴾

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)