Guru Gobind Singh & Muslims

Real Picture of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The 350^th birth anniversary of 10^th and last Sikh Guru Gobind Singh is being celebrated with much enthusiasm today. The Indian Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi visited the birth place of Guru Patna Sahib to participate in the celebrations. Devotees from world over have flocked to Patna, Capital of Indian state of Bihar, to be part of the historic celebrations. As a prelude to the celebrations, all over India Sikh community organized functions at various cities to create awareness about Guru Gobind Singh and his contribution to the Sikh religion. Such functions showcased the tyranny of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb against Sikhs and martyrdom of Guru’s sons. There is no doubt about persecution of Sikhs by Aurangzeb. But it should also be remembered that he was equally biased with Imamis and Sunnis following true tenets of Islam.

Unfortunately, the Sikh community did not highlight the Muslims who supported Guru Gobind Singh in his crusade against Mughals. Likewise, they also did not include in their celebrations names of those Hindu rulers who had caused much trouble to Guru Gobind Singh. In this context, former rulers of Himanchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand deserve special mention. Similarly, the dirty role of a Brahmin who had suggested the execution Guru’s sons despite opposition of Nawab of Maler Kotla also remained untouched by the organizers. Such attitude on the part of the organizers is gross injustice to the personality of Guru Gobind Singh. He was a man of secular outlook and full of literary talents. He commanded respect from people of different faiths. Peer Buddhu Shah is one such example. He was an Imami who sacrificed his life for the sake of Guru along with his supporters. His execution was avenged by  Banda Bahadur.Sikhs have also erected a Gurudwara at his birth place in Haryana in his memory .

Another great devotee of Guru was Pir Bhikham Shah. He too was a Syed.A divine indication revealed to him about the birth of Guru Gobind Singh at Patna.He travelled from his village ‘Thaska’ in Haryana to Patna.

He went to the house where Guru was born. He told Mata Gurjri that he came from a far off place to have the sight of Bala Pritam, the holy child. Mata was bit apprehensive and did not wish to show the child to a Muslim in the wake of the assassination of Guru Arjan Dev. Bhikham howeer did not leave Patna and finally he was able to see the child after few days . The Pir had purchased one pot from a Muslim shop while the other pot of sweets was purchased from a Hindu shop. After placing both the pots containing sweets before the child , Bhikham sat down  watched with love Guru who was a beautiful child with a radiant face. The  child  placed his left hand on one of the pots and at the same time placed his right hand on the other pot. The child then smiled with a brilliance that ignited the room and looked directly at Bhikham with a long gaze. Later, Syed explained to his followers that child  would be a great warrior saint and by placing both hands on both the pots, he indicated that both Hindus and  Muslims were equally dear to him. He will help Hindus whenever they need his help and he will help Muslims also whenever they are in need. Bhikham returned home and remained a great devotee of Guru throughout his life. Famous poet Bulle Shah had also admired Guru Gobind in his poetry. On the occasion of 350^th birth anniversary of Guru, his admirers should strive to portray his true personality and character by brining to light the facts hitherto unknown to even  greatest followers of his faith.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy-Google Images)