Bay'ah (Ahmadiyya)

Bay'ah in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community refers to a formal oath of allegiance sworn to the Khalifa (spiritual leader) of the Community. It signifies a pledge of obedience, loyalty, and submission to the Khalifa in all that is good, and a commitment to uphold the tenets and principles of Islam as interpreted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The concept of Bay'ah is rooted in Islamic tradition, where it refers to the oath of allegiance given to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by his followers. Ahmadis view their Bay'ah to the Khalifa as a continuation of this tradition, linking them spiritually to the Prophet Muhammad through the institution of Khilafat.

The text of the Bay'ah typically includes promises to:

• Abstain from shirk (associating partners with God).
• Abstain from falsehood, adultery, trespasses of the eye, and mischief.
• Not injure anyone by word or deed.
• Be faithful to the Khalifa in all that is good.
• Give preference to faith over worldly affairs.
• Spread the message of Islam.
• Remain devoted to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The Bay'ah is usually administered annually in a formal ceremony, often broadcast internationally. New members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also take the Bay'ah upon joining. Through this pledge, Ahmadis express their spiritual connection to the Khalifa and their commitment to the Ahmadiyya interpretation of Islam.