Question:
Sheikh please tell me if it is permissible for an individual who has yet not taken Bayah Irshad (not a mureed yet) to take Bayah Barakah i.e become a Talib. If so after becoming a Talib is he permissible to take Bayah Irshad with a different Awlia Allah.
Answer:
Baya` Tabarruk does not make you a mureed nor a talib, but gives you a connection of blessing to that Shaykh. If you already have a Shaykh, that is Nurun `alaa Nur, Light over Light. If not, it is still Light!
You may take Baya` Irshad later with whoever your heart feels a true connection, and Allah knows best.
Taher Siddiqui
