No Hindu, No Muslim

After the divine transformation at the River Bein, Guru Nanak relinquished all his possessions and was heard frequently: “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.” Although this statement only signified his cosmic vision and universal love; nevertheless it offended many. Members of the ruling race were especially cross at his equating Hindus with Muslims. A complaint was made before Nawab Daulat Khan, the governor. But thinking that Guru Nanak was a faqir, the governor dismissed the complaint.

The qazi, the expounder of Muslim law, was also present there and he supported the complainants. He requested the Nawab to send for the Guru. When Guru Nanak arrived, the governor offered him his homage and seated him by his side.

It was now the time for the Muslim afternoon prayer. All arose and went to the mosque. The Guru accompanied them. When the qazi conducted the service, the Guru kept standing and did not kneel, as expected. The qazi found in this further ground for complaint. He brought the lapse to the notice of the Nawab. When asked to explain, Guru Nanak said, “The qazi’s heart was not in the prayer. His mind constantly wandered to the new born foal he had let loose in his yard before coming to the mosque. He kept remembering there was a well nearby and feared the foal might fall into it.”

The qazi admitted as true what the Guru had said and fell at his feet. __

Guru Nanak told the gathering ----God is one and timeless. Hindus and Muslims are alike in His eyes. All men are equal and they are judged not by their family, creed, caste or birth, but by their deeds.