The Muslim Outlook – by Shahid Pervaiz

October 14, 2012

Bawa Guru Nanik

Sometimes it seems overwhelmingly odd as why there exist the strains of hostility amongst the followers of various religions – while no religion acclaims to either teach or preach hatred and antagonism of any sort towards people of other faiths.

Nevertheless, the history of mankind bears abundant instances where hatred and renunciation came to the forefront in the name of religion. Neo-Modern world after renaissance and industrial revolution should have been an era of rationalization – Alas it did not happen,  at least, in the religious world.

Sub-continent of India has a peculiar feature in regards to various religions that it houses Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, believers of Zoroaster, Buddha, Islam and many others at the same time. This unique feature may not be present in any other geographical location. Of course with the variety of beliefs being present there have been repeated instances of religious oppression as well. The ruling classes have been the instigators of the religious aggression; for the most part, to resolve and win over their own political motives.

The Muslim Saints in India, mostly immigrants, were the first to call for religious tolerance – as far back as 700 A.D. that is still one big reason that people of all faiths like to visit their shrines even today. Robust acclamation, in this regard falls due to Khwaja Moeen udin Chishti (rh) of Ajmer; the founder of Chishti Order of Muslim Soofis, for preaching religious tolerance. Lately, H.H. Dalai Lama is also said to be following the practices of Chishti Order.

At the time when India was ruled by the Muslim Mughals; and the religious harmony inculcated by Chishti Soofis was fast declining after Emperor Akbar the Great; and it was turning into a state of anarchy; there came a fresh voice; calling for unconditional religious tolerance – the holy voice of Bawa Guru Nanik Sahib Maharaj.

His preaching of religious tolerance affected the masses so much in depth that at the time of his Holy Demise, the Muslims wanted him to be buried and Hindus wanted him to be cremated.

There has been no other such example of this type anywhere else.  The appeal of his teachings was so dearly accepted that followers of the two major religious streams were eager to claim him.

The life of Bawa Sahib is full of sacrifices and bears undeniable manifests in support of his cause.

Those who understand the paths of spiritual sublimation can easily trace scores of miraculous favors associated with Bawa Sahib.

Ahmadiyya Muslims attribute Bawa Guru Nanik Sahib Maharaj as a Principal Saint and respect him with paramount esteem; believing him to be a Muslim of Great Stature. The famous robe Divinely Bestowed upon Bawa Sahib inscribed with Quranic Verses and Islamic Teachings is regarded as a true miracle together with so many others found at the places where Bawa Sahib traveled and stayed; for example Babe De Bairee (Sialkot); the berry tree under which Bawa Sahib rested and Punja Sahib (Hasanabdal); where Bawa Sahib’s Holy Hand is inscribed on a mount rock, which was thrown upon Bawa Sahib by an enemy.

It may be of interest to many to read “Sat Bachan” – the book written by the Promised Messiah (as) in praise of Bawa Sahib’s life long struggle to spread the Message of Peace.

Author – Shahid Pervaiz – a front line Corporate Manager and Consultant. Formerly the founder secretary general of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, Trade Commissioner of Alpha Group Holland, CEO of Record Export Ltd., President of National Dairies of Pakistan; and a Programs Producer at PTV; besides a series of other business ventures and undertakings.

He likes to study Literature, Arts, Cultures and the Religious Practices (tasawuf); and to comment about the Truth of Islam.