Question
Is there a hadith or the meaning of a hadith that says “if one doesn’t have a peer, then shaytan is their shaykh/peer”?
And does this mean taking bayah or does this mean having a teacher/guide?
Answer
No! This statement is not found in the blessed Hadith, however it is narrated from great scholars of Islam like Sheikh Shahabuddin Soharwardi رحمۃ اللہ علیہ and Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi رحمۃ اللہ علیہ:
Remember there are two kinds of spiritual guides (Murshi
(1) Murshid-e-Khas: The one we pledge allegiance to and accept as our spiritual guide.
(2) Murshid-e-Aam: Like for all Muslims, the blessed being of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who guides us to the straight path.
Therefore, regarding the above-mentioned statement, the respected scholars have said that the term ‘guide’ here refers to Murshid-e-Aam. So those who have not accepted the being of the Noble Prophet ﷺ as their guide, like the disbelievers and polytheists, their guide is Satan. However, we should find a pious and righteous person who has all the qualities of a spiritual guide and make them our spiritual guid (Murshid). By doing so we will attain countless benefits in both worlds.
Answered by: Arif Raza Madani (Ask Mufti Scholar)
Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated by: Shaheer Attari