Sir,
This is in reference to the letter to the editor in W.S.N, dated August 14,1992 by Dr. Devinder Singh Chahal. Therein he has tried to explain that the phrase “Sabat Surat Dastaar Sira” in Guru Granth Sahib does not refer to the uncut beard and hair or turban on the head for the Sikhs. According to him:
a)The sabad containing this phrase is addressed 10 Muslims and not to the Sikhs; and,
b)”Sabat Surat” means a body which has not undergone the Muslim rite of circumcision.
After reading the letter, I studied the whole sabad again and have come to the conclusion that both of his interpretations are off the mark.
Regarding (a): There are a large number of hymns in Guru Granth Sahib which were originally addressed to Muslims, Brahmins, Yogis, Siddhas, etc. That does not mean that the contents of the instructions imparted in those hymns have no bearing on the life of the Sikh.
“Great souls may address anyone on any subject but the advice and instruction is meant for the whole world.”
Thus the advice and message conveyed in all the hymns of Guru Granth Sahib is meant for all; and especially so for us Sikhs since we accept Guru Granth Sahib as our Preceptor,
Regarding (b):The phrase “Sabat Surat” here does not at all refer simply to the un-circumcised body. Dr.Chahal has himself stated that this aspect of Muslim Law has already been referred to in the 7th stanza of the sabad. In that stanza Guru Sahib asks the Muslims: to remember God always; let this be your rosary. Only in this way you will be able to have control over your organs and senses. Consider good conduct and self-restraint your circumcision.
Evidently there was no need to mention circumcision again in the same sabad. Moreover “Surat” in common parlance always refers to one’s appearance, especially one’s facial appearance. In this case also, I believe the word “Surat” refers to the general appearance of the body as a whole from head to toe. It would be beneficial if we analyze the whole stanza,
Make your body of good character by being absolutely faithful to your spouse (referring obviously to the Gurmat principle of “the true chaste person is one who does not indulge in extra-marital affairs’) and only thus can you enjoy the pleasure of Divine Bliss. Make your impure mind pure. This is the true adherence of the Muslim Book of Law (Hadees). You can only obtain this objective by keeping your body unviolated and by always wearing a turban on your head,
Here “Sabat Surat” obviously refers to keeping one’s body (from head to toc) in the orginal complete form, It is well know that desecration of the originality and completeness of the body by following the ever changing trends, styles and fashions induces lustful vibrations, distracting the mind from the spiritual path of divinity.
In view of the above, the propagation of the above interpretation is in total conformity with the teachings of Sikhism.
Manmohan Singh Anaheim. CA
Article extracted from this publication >> October 2, 1992
