The Bay'ah
When someone is ready to accept Sidi as their guide. He allows them the opportunity to make a promise to God that will set the intention for their walking on the Sufi Path. This is called the Bay’ah. Sidi takes the hand of the student in his hand signifying a commitment to guide and be guided. This echoes the verse in the Qu’ran when God tells the Prophet that those who take a pledge with him are in reality taking the pledge with God. It is said by the Sufis that there is no arrival except at the hands of a guide. When we take the promise to God and follow Him and obey His orders, we take the key that helps us to return to our real Life, which He created for us from the beginning.
to be one from His children, to follow His way, Sufi way
to follow all the holy Prophets and all the holy books,
to take Sidi as your guide
to give everything for the Face of your Beloved God, to carry His message,
the message of Unity, the message of Peace and Love and Mercy
to be honest, to be sincere, to listen for His voice
The Bay’ah is fully voluntary. Ultimately it’s a committment you make to God to carry His message and to walk on the path to know Him. This bay’ah is for anyone who wishes to travel and to reach the Truth inside them, without any limitations. The first step on the path is in taking bay’ah with the guide.
In the Sufi tradition in order to help yourself, you must first give to others. Many of Sidi’s students are asked to make an offering to help the poor, usually in the form of money (suggested donation: $500), which Sidi gives to the poorest of the poor. Traditionally, a sheep is sacrificed to feed the poor. Just like Ibrahim, father of all the Prophets, was asked to sacrifice his beloved son, the student is asked to make a sacrifice. This sacrifice like that in the Bible is considered one of the most holy and sacred ways of giving yourself to God. Ibrahim’s son was spared his death and a sheep was exchanged for him. So, you too are asked to offer a sacrifice for yourself. Through your sacrifice, we are actually giving spiritual food that will give strength and sustenance to those who walk on the path. It feeds the giver and the receiver in both a physical and spiritual way. When you walk this path, you need to offer yourself as a sacrifice to God until God embraces you between His two arms.
Sacrifice to give life to others • This is the Way of the Sufi.
The Sacrifice given after the promise is a symbolic sacrifice of your self. While $500 is suggested, give what you can. If your heart is moved to walk the Sufi path with Sidi as your guide, don’t allow money to stand in the way. The promise is between you and God and He knows your situation. Give what you can give.
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