Nasai

The pledge of allegiance (bay‘ah) is, in reality, a magnificent and solemn covenant that is undertaken with full intellect, senses, and insight. It is not a child’s play, nor is it a useless ritual performed merely for blessing (tabarruk) with every ordinary person. Nowadays, some individuals consider bay‘ah as a means of seeking blessing, saying, “We have pledged allegiance to such-and-such elder,” and they regard it as something beneficial in the Hereafter, whereas in reality, this is an un-Islamic practice. Bay‘ah can only be given to the Imam or to his appointed deputy. The Islamic bay‘ah is, in fact, a covenant—a responsibility that must be taken seriously, not something that frees a person from obligations, as is commonly thought: “Just pledge allegiance to such-and-such elder and salvation will be attained; fulfilling the obligatory duties of the Shari‘ah is not necessary.” In this way, all kinds of responsibilities are shifted onto the one who takes the bay‘ah. Islam does not endorse such superstitions.