The Creation of Khalsa 1699 Part- II

 In Krishna Avtar, Guru says :

"Kou kise ko rajnade hai,

ja lai hai nij bal sit lai hai"

[no people can have self-rule as a gift

from another. It is to be seized

through their own strength.]

Without freedom there is doom. When doom stares in the face, gloom engulfs even the bravest. But between doom and gloom bloom some of the noblest specimen of humanity. Guru Gobind Rai was certainly one of such specimens. God's choice has always fallen upon men who can wield arms and Armour with a single-minded devotion to their noble cause and who can successfully resist all temptations for Zan (woman), Zar (money), and Zamin (land) from the devil.

Was Guru Gobind Rai an enemy of Islam?
Guru Gobind Rai was determined to exterminate the religious oppressing of the Mughal Government. He concentrated against the cruel government and not against Islam. There is no word in his speeches and writings to prove this baseless charge. He was embodiment of love and affection for all. His instructions to his Sikhs were to treat everybody with courtesy and consideration. (he specifically forbade Sikhs to have carnal knowledge of Muslim women) It was for this reason that both Muslims and Hindus were attracted towards him. Muslim Sufi saints and Muslim commanders of note, and hundreds of Muslim soldiers fought under his banner.

Pir Buddhu Shah of Sadhaura, together with his sons and 700 followers fought hard in the battle of Bhangani in which Pir lost two of his sons and hundreds of disciples.

In the battle of Anandpur in 1702 (after the creation of Khalsa) Mir Beg and Mamun Khan commanded Guru's forces in fighting against Mughal forces. At the same place General Sayyid Khan of Mughal forces considered it improper and unjust to wage a war against the Guru. He deserted his post and joined the Guru.

Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan saved Guru from the capture by Mughal army.

Qazi Pir Mohammad who knew Guru, did not confirmed Guru's identity in front of Mughals, while Rae Kalha offered him refuge and entertained him generously.

In Akal Ustat Guru says

"Some are Hindus while other Muslims.

of the latter some are Shias and

others are Sunnis. Man's caste should be

considered as one" (Manas ke

jat sabhai ekai pahchanbo)

--

"Karta Karim Rajak Rahim is the same".

--

"Temples and Mosques are the same. Hindu worship

and Muslim prayer are the same. All men are alike,

but they are under delusion".

--

All humans are composed of same elements.

--

All the knowable, the Puranas and the Quran are

the same. All are manifestations of one, and one

is the creator of all.

--

In the Jap Guru Gobind Rai has given 735 names to God. Of these 30 are of Islam.

He further says:

"Even in error deem not the God of the Hindus,

To be other than God of the Muslims;

Worship the one God,

Recognize the englightener;

All men have the same human form,

In all men blazes the same divine light.

(From Akal Ustat, swayyas)

In Bachitra Natak 

Guru Says that there is no enmity between the successors of Baba Nanak and of Babar. The former are religious leaders and the latter are political rulers. He declared: "The house of Baba Nanak and of Babar both derive their authority from God. recognize the former as supreme is religion and the latter as supreme in secular affairs."

This clearly shows that Guru admitted the secular authority of Emperor over his Sikhs. Sujan Rae Bhandari wrote in 1696, "In their eyes their own people and others as well as friends and foes are all alike. They love their friends, but they do not ill-treat their enemies."

to be continued...