This method of instructing some basic important points to the people and asking them to pledge the same to him was one of the frequently used methods of the Prophet. When the followers agree to obey the instructions of their teacher, they stretch their hands, keep their palms over the palm of their teacher and promise to him to do as instructed. This tradition of the Prophet is still being used by spiritual leaders of the community especially in matters of religion.
During the Makkan period, when the Prophet was unable to bring most of his own people to the fold of Islam, he met a group of twelve men from Madinah in the holy month of pilgrimage, at a place called al’ Aqabah. In the course of his teaching the Prophet asked them to make a pledge and they did so. In return for living a life of virtue and obedience the Prophet promised them paradise. (Haykal, 1976, p. 154) This method of pledge makes for enduring compliance with what is learnt.
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