Bayaa
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Bay'ah and Bay'ah (Ahmadiyya). (Discuss) Proposed since July 2010. |
The bayaa ceremony (Arabic: البيعه al-baya'ah, Turkish: biat) is performed in Islamic societies, as a means to formally endorse the rule of a newly-appointed Caliph, Imam, Sultan or other leader, by a pledge of allegiance.
[edit] Overview
The bayaa origins start with the death of the Prophet Muhammad (c. 7th century) and the public support given to the caliphs who followed him.
During a two-day ceremony, hundreds of clerics, tribal chiefs, military officers, and other prominent citizens pledge their allegiance to the new ruler. Each of these individuals shakes the hand of the new ruler and states "I express my allegiance to you. I hear and obey, except in what would disobey God."
The ceremony is meant to be open to all citizens, but rarely is. Some Muslims view this ceremony as a facade used to maintain a system of hereditary monarchy, whereas the first four post-Mohammad rulers were selected by the citizens (a practice of public consensus called "shura").[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Muslim Access - Explanation of Islamic governance.
