While Nanak was in the Punjab talking and arguing with the people about God and how they could best show their love and devotion for Him, a Mughal chief, Babar, invaded India, He brought a large army of Turks who burnt the crops, destroyed homes, and killed men, Women and children by the thousands. There was misery and Unhappiness everywhere.
The People say all their plans for the future destroyed before their eyes, lost hope and Said, “It is fate.” God must have willed this on us for our many sins. We cannot do anything about it.” Nanak, on hearing them, replied, “You cannot blame God for your misfortunes, you must never give up hope. You must try and start afresh and build your future again.” And whenever Nanak saw the people in despair he would repeat encouragingly “With your own hands make your own future.”
It was about this time that an officer of Babar captured the town where Nanak was Staying and imprisoned everyone. Nanak and Mardana were among those taken Prisoner. Everyone was put in chains and made to grind corn. In the evening Nanak began to say his prayers as was his custom. The people warned him, “If you stop grinding corn eyen for a minute, the guards will have you whipped.” Nanak paid no attention to them and continued to pray. It is said that while Nanak was lost in prayer the wheel of the mill continued turning on its own. Babar’s heart was touched and he ordered that all the prisoners should be set free and their property given back to them. He said, “If Thad known that this city contained such holy men IT would never have harmed it.”
Article extracted from this publication >> December 17, 1993
