The Source Book On Sikhism

Prayer In The Mosque

After this great awakening, the Guru remained in trance for the whole day. When he opened his eyes, the words, “There is no Hindu and no Mussalman” were on his lips. When the Qazi heard of it he was indignant. He complained of it to the Nawab.

The Nawab summoned the Guru to the court and asked him most respectfully, “I cannot vouch for the Hindus but how can you say that there is no Mussalman when the whole country is teeming with the Faithful!”

The Guru recounted the attributes of a true Mussalman and said, “Where is such a one to be found?” Interrupting him, the Qazi said, “Are you a Hindu or a Mussalman?” “I am neither,” said the Guru, “I am but a simple man of God!”

Meanwhile it was time for the afternoon prayer. The Nawab suggested, “If you are a man of God, why not go the mosque and join us in prayer?”

The Guru readily agreed and accompanied the courtiers to the mosque. The Qazi led the prayer. The Guru looked at him and laughed. The Qazi was very much discomfited and, when the prayer was over, he said, “Did you come here to pray or make us a butt of your mirth and ridicule!”

The Guru replied, “How could I have joined you in prayer when you were concerned more about the safety of the new-born colt at home than the thoughts of God?”

The Qazi was abashed. Likewise the Nawab, too, was exposed. He realized now that the Guru was the person who knew.