Principles Regarding Taking Bayah

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

I have taken bayah with another shaykh previously. May I still take bayah with you?

Anyone who has taken bayah with another shaykh whose tariqah is sound should remain true to that bayah as far as he is able. He should only take bayah with another shaykh with the intention of seeking blessings from that shaykh (tabarruk) as long as he has the permission of his original shaykh.

If his shaykh does not give him permission or if he wishes to move from one shaykh to another out of caprice he must not do so.

He should only leave one shaykh and take bayah with another in the following situations: if he has the permission of his original shaykh, or if his original shaykh openly contravenes the Sacred Law or the etiquettes of the Sacred Law or if something prevents him from being in contact with his shaykh.