barublogIntroduction: A Guru of Unity and Benevolence
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, revered as the sixth Guru of Sikhs, was a beacon of spiritual wisdom and temporal leadership. His contributions went beyond religion, fostering harmony among diverse communities. One of his most remarkable acts was constructing a mosque, Guru ki Maseet, for Muslims in Sri Hargobindpur, Punjab.
The Guru of Miri and Piri
Symbols of Spiritual and Temporal Authority
When Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji ascended as the sixth Guru, he donned two swords symbolizing Miri (temporal power) and Piri (spiritual power), earning the title “Miri Piri thay Malik” (Lord of Miri and Piri). He also established the Akal Takht, a temporal throne opposite the Harimandar Sahib (Golden Temple), signifying the unification of spiritual and temporal realms.
Sri Hargobindpur: A Settlement of Harmony
Victory Over the Mughals
In December 1634, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji led a victorious battle against the Mughals near the River Beas. Following this, he stayed in the region and established the town of Sri Hargobindpur. The town became a symbol of unity, where people of all faiths lived together peacefully.
A Secure and Secular Home
The Guru fortified the town’s defenses and built a Gurdwara for the Sikh community. However, the local Muslims, being few in number, lacked the resources to build a mosque. Recognizing their need, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji ordered his Sikhs to construct a mosque, showcasing his deep respect for all faiths.
The Legacy of Guru ki Maseet
A Historic Site of Religious Harmony
The mosque, known as Guru ki Maseet, has stood as a symbol of communal harmony since its construction during the Guru’s time. Despite the upheaval of the 1947 partition, which left the mosque in disrepair, it remained under the care of Sikh Nihang Singhs, who installed the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, within its walls.
Restoration and Revival
In 2003, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Nihang leader Baba Kirtan Singh and the Punjab Waqf Board. Baba Kirtan Singh expressed a desire for Muslims to resume prayers in the mosque, leading to its restoration by both Sikh and Muslim communities. This collaboration reflected India’s multi-religious society, emphasizing the Sikh tradition of inclusivity.
A Vision of Communal Harmony
Saplings of Peace
As part of the MoU, five saplings were planted in honor of five Sikh Gurus, symbolizing the eternal message of unity. Dr. Mohammad Rizwanul Haque of the Punjab Waqf Board described this event as a step toward strengthening communal harmony in the nation.
Restoration as a Symbol of Unity
The joint efforts of Sikh and Muslim masons in restoring the mosque further emphasized Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s vision of coexistence and mutual respect.
Conclusion: A Guru Who United Faiths
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s act of building a mosque for Muslims exemplifies his commitment to fostering unity and respect among diverse communities. Guru ki Maseet stands as a timeless symbol of his legacy, reminding us of the power of harmony in a world divided by differences.
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