Guru Nanak Dev Ji replied, “But God is everywhere. Your own holy book the Koran says ‘whichever way you turn, there is the face of Allah.’

On hearing such wisdom the Mullah fell down at Nanak’s feet in admiration and asked Nanak to forgive him.

“Yes, you do all these things,” (Guru) Nanak gently scolded them, “but you forget to be honest, kind and generous. Giving one rupee to a poor, hungry child is more important to God than 100 prayers. Being truthful is of greater value than a thousand fasts. Kindness and consideration please God more than any number of pilgrimages.”

In this way (Guru) Nanak won the hearts of many Muslims.


God Made all Men Equal


(Guru) Nanak returned to the Punjab after many months. He wished to end his days in the country-side he knew and loved best. So he settled down with his family at a small town named Kartarpur.


One question kept troubling him, “are not all men equal? When then is the Brahmin regarded as holier than the Sweeper? Surely this division of man from man is inhuman?” (Guru) Nanak often said.


So he decided to true and change the system which by building walls better men cause such bitterness.

“I will make sure that that any men or women who come to me, be they rich or poor, or high case or low, shall eat together. They shall take it in turn to cook and wash dishes. For why should only the Brahmin be considered clean enough to cook?” Nanak said. “And moreover all shall recite prayers. Then we shall have no priests who can look down other men.”

Large numbers of people began to gather to see (Guru) Nanak and hear him speak of god. (Guru) Nanak told them how they should live. He asked them to wake up three hours before sunrise, bathe in the stream and then go to the temple to recite morning prayers and sing hymns. Thereafter they were to be free to earn their livings. In the evening after having done a full day’s work, be it farming, shop-keeping or weaving, the people were asked to gather to pray and sing hymns. After this they all dined together in the temple. Before going to bed to sleep, everyone was expected to say another short prayer.


This become the life of work and prayer of (Guru) Nanak’s followers all over the country.


Guru Nanak Dev Ji chooses a Successor


As (Guru) Nanak grew older, he began to look around for someone who could carry on the worked he had started. He did not think either of his two sons fit for the job. His elder son, Sri Chand, had become a hermit. He lived alone in the forest, praying and fasting. “how can a man guide people if he cuts himself away and goes and prays alone in the forest,” (Guru) Nanak always said. Nanak’s younger son, Lakshmi Das, was the exact opposite. He was only interested in making money. So who could Nanak choose as his successor?


Among his followers, (Guru) Nanak was very impressed by a man named Lehna, who had repeatedly proved his great devotion to God. (Guru) Nanak changed Lehna’s name to Angad which means ‘of my own body’ and told him to spread his message and set an example for all.


The years went swiftly by and (Guru) Nanak was now approaching 70. with old age he became frail, but his interest in the world around did not wane. The woodlands in the flower, the mustard in bloom and the calling of the Papeeha as the monsoon broke, still sent him into poetic rapture.

Nor did his love for the people lessen with the years. He was never too tired to listen to their problems and was always ready to offer words of comfort and advice. The circle of peole who respect him and followed his guidance increased daily…..