Question:
What are the benefits of giving Bayah, and I want my loyalty to be true and that of love and strength, and wisdom. If I do not fall in love with the Naqshbandi Tariqah, may I leave? I would probably join Mevlevi and can I have practices of another Tariqah.
Answer:
Salamu Alaikum
It is not compulsory for anyone to take bayat with a shaykh. But the benefits of taking a Sufi shaykh are too numerous to mention. The most important being that if a person wishes to reach the highest levels of iman (faith) and closeness to Allah Almighty, the level of ihsan (excellence) as described by the Prophet (pbuh) that is impossible without a Sufi guide/murshid.
It is best to take the guide who your heart most feels comfortable with and to submit wholeheartedly to that Shaykh. If one is doubting his/her Shaykh, then the benefit will be minimal. It is like someone who boards a train, but gets off at every station to check other trains or to look around at where other people are going. That person may finally reach their destination but it will take a very very long time and will never be satisfied. It is best and most efficient to decide on the path you are taking and stick firmly to it.
If your heart is not comfortable with a particular shaykh or tariqah, then maybe you are not ready yet to commit.
And Allah and His Prophet know best.
Hajj Khalid Aboulela
