Conditions of Bai'at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi — Page 105
Condition VI 105 I have thus far briefly mentioned one custom during marriage. If I elaborate upon the subject further, I can cite many other prevailing customs during marriage ceremonies. When the customs take root, their victim is blinded and gradually comes fully into the grip of carnal desires, whereas the pledge during bai‘at is that he/she will safeguard completely from the carnal desires and will be completely subservient to the sovereignty of Allah and the Holy Prophet sa. What do Allah and His Apostle expect from us? Only that we forsake frivolous customs and abide by the commandments of Allah. Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: 64 But if they do not accept this invitation of yours, then know that they only follow their own evil inclinations. And who is more erring than he who follows his evil inclinations without any guidance from Allah? Verily Allah guides not the unjust people. In this verse Allah has given a very clear verdict that should make us fearful: those who follow their vain desires will never be rightly guided. We claim that we have recognised and accepted the Imam of the Age but despite taking a pledge with the Imam to forsake all vain customs we are clinging to them. Everyone should examine himself: Are we taking retrograde steps? If we are true to the pledge and—fearing our Lord and eschewing 64. ( al-Qa s a s , 28:51)