Tazkiyah-tun Nafs and Bay’ah

[Bint e Aisha]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Tazkiyah-tun Nafs and Bay’ah

Tazkiyah-tun Nafs (self-rectification) is  Fardh (incumbent) upon each and every individual. It is possible to achieve Tazkiyah through seeking Ilm (knowledge) and more importantly, acting upon the Ilm provided it was obtained from reliable sources and teachers.

Spiritual development under the auspicious supervision of a capable Shaykh (spiritual guide) will enable an individual to reach levels of spirituality which are not easily attainable independently. The most fundamental tenet in this path is the constant or prolonged company and supervision of a Shaykh.

This can be achieved with or without Bay’ah. Therefore, taking bay’ah will be a Mustahab act. However, given that Bay’ah can be proven from Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and the Sahabah, taking Bay’ah will be a means of Barakah (blessings) and ease on this journey of Tazkiyah.

Source : [Imdaadul Fatawa / Vol 5, Pg 246-247 and Imdaadul Ahkaam / Vol 1, Pg 48 of Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Rahimahullah]

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Mahmood | darulmahmood.net