Na ham Hindu na Musalmaan – Raag Bhairo – Ang 1136

SGGS Angg 1136.

Raag Bhairo M.5

The Hindus have always claimed Sikhs are really an offshoot of Hinduism. Some Sikhs too were misled into believing that Sikhs are really “Kesadhari Hindus.” One strong supporter of such views was Sir Bhai Khem Singh Bedi, a direct descendant of the younger son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He gave a lecture in 1897 saying Sikhs were part of the Hindu fold. The Singh Sabha movement objected strongly against his statements.

Some Muslims too hold the belief that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a Muslim, and the Sikhs are really some Sufi Muslims with some special customs of their own. The Ahmadiya Sect of Islam, founded in 1889, with a current population of 20 million, strongly believe what their founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad had said. He said he had a dream in which Guru Nanak Ji told him that Guru Ji was a Muslim. The Sikhs do not believe any such claim.

In 1950, the chief Kazi of Iran wrote to Sirdar Kapur Singh to inquire if indeed Guru Nanak was a Muslim. The learned Sikh replied in the negative and wrote with some very deep insights into the Koran.

Thus, Sikhs have been challenged as to their identity many times. In 1898, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha (of Mahan Kosh fame), wrote a book “Hum Hindu Nahin.”

In this Shabad, Guru Ji clearly tells all, that Sikhs are neither Hindus nor Muslims. Sikhs are unique and distinct in their own right.

I do not keep (Hindu) fasts nor do I observe the month of Ramadan (puasa); I serve only the One who will preserve me till the end.

“Vartt na raho na meh Ramdana; Tis sewi jo rakhe nidhana.”

The One Lord of the world is my God Allah; He administers Justice to both Hindus and Muslims.

“Ek Gosain Allah mera; Hindu Turak doha nibera.” (rahao).

I do not go for the haj to Mecca nor do I go to the Hindu pilgrim shrines; I serve the One Lord and no other.

“Haj Kaabe jaao na tirath puja; Eko sewi avar na dujja.”

I do not observe the Hindu worships, nor do the Muslim nimaaj; I worship the Formless Lord in my heart.

“Puja karo na nivaaj gujaro; Ek Nirankar le riday namaskaro.”

I am not a Hindu nor a Muslim; my body and breath (life) belongs to Allah and Raam, the One God of both.

“Na ham Hindu na Musalmaan; Allah Raam ke pind puraan.”

Kabir says, this is what I proclaim; meeting with the Guru, my Master, I have recognized God within myself.

“Kaho Kabir eh keeya vakhaana; Gur Peer mil khud Khasam pechaana.”

The Shabad is by Guru Arjun Dev Ji as the sirlekh clearly tells us. Yet, in the Signature line, Guru Ji does not use “Nanak,” but signs the Shabad in Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Name. There are quite a few Shabads, especially in the Sloks of Sheikh Fareed Ji, where the Gurus have signed as Fareed, indicating there was no difference in Divine thought between the Gurus and the Bhagats.
In this Shabad, most scholars feel the root of the teachings in this Shabad was contained in a line or two by Bhagat Kabir Ji, and Guru Ji wanted to acknowledge that.

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube