Bay’at is an Arabic word derived from “bay’a” which means “to sell”. In the terminology of the Shari’ah, bay’at refers to happily and enthusiastically selling one’s life and wealth in the hand of Allah Ta‘ala in exchange of Jannah.

When the Ansaar began to take the pledge (bay’at) at the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaahah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) enquired, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! You may stipulate in this pledge any condition that you want us to agree to (and you are at liberty to take whatever assurances you want from us), but tell me, what will we attain in exchange of this pledge that we give you?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “You will attain Jannah.”