Nanak realized that he had not long to live. As the hour of his death drew near, the Hindus and Muslims gathered at his bedside began to cry.
Nanak tried to comfort them, “Why are you sad?” he asked. “We are all born and we must all die.
I just want you all to pray for me.” There was silence in the room. But soon the sound of murmuring disturbed Nanak. The Hindus and Muslims were quarreling bitterly amongst themselves. ‘The Muslims said, “We will bury him.
It is the custom among our people,” “No,” replied the Hindus, “We will burn his body. That is the custom among our people.” Nanak then spoke, “Why do you argue needlessly? You can place flowers on either side, Hindus on my right, Muslims on my left. Those whose flowers remain fresh tomorrow can do as they wish with my body.
“Then Nanak again asked both Hindus and Muslims to pray, they prayed all night. Before the sun had risen, Nanak was dead. But the flowers on the right and left of him were fresh, To this day, 500 years later, Nanak is remembered by millions Or followers whom he brought together by his teachings of love and brotherhood. How could India forget the greatest of the holy men, the Guru of the Hindus and the Pir of the Muslims!
Article extracted from this publication >> January 28, 1994
