The Ruling on Bay‘ah

Question

Question: Is it necessary to become a disciple of a perfect spiritual guide, or not? Please clarify the correct ruling in light of the Qur’an and hadith.

Answer

Acquiring sound beliefs (‘aqa’id), noble character, and righteous deeds is obligatory upon every person — whether through teachers, through reading books, through keeping the company of the pious elders of the religion, or through independent study.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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