Question:
Asalamolaikum,
My names been registered at a darbar in Pakistan 2 years ago, which means i have taken baya, but the shaykh has passed away more than 2 years ago, so does the baya count? And i feel like nothings changed in my life, and i have never dreamt of my shaykh, this again highlights my confusion to the fact if i have baya or not.
Please clarify this jazakullah khairun !
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani wrote in The Naqshbandi Sufi Way:
The Need for a Living Guide
If one is separated from his shaikh by death or other circumstances, it becomes necessary to find a living guide, who can complete the work of the first master. The path itself is not the Goal, but the means to reach the Goal. Holding onto the attachment to a master who is no longer present, usually represents an unrealistic expectation and a false hope. It may also be a manifestation of pride. Although they had already pledged themselves to the Prophet (s), the Companions had to take initiation with Sayyidina Abu Bakr (r) after the passing of the Prophet (s), and as they renewed their pledge to the successive khalifs, Sayyidina `Umar, Sayyidina `Uthman and Sayyidina `Ali, so too does a sincere seeker need to put his hand into the hand of a living shaikh, and renew his initiation, in order to complete his journey to the Divine Presence.
Taher Siddiqui
