With reference to the “Letter” (DV Jan.16,91) that “Sikhs are anti-Muslims”, by Dr. B.M. Siddique, it seems Dr. Siddique is much influenced by the myth propagated by brahminical forces, The Sikhs along with the other over 85% non-Hindus of India including Muslims have no media of their own.
Dr. Siddique may note the following figures and facts Sikhism was founded to liberate the common people from the clutches of brahminical supremacy and also to expose its hypocrisy. Guru Nanak and Kabir have written in clear terms about this. Sikhs had organized themselves militarily/politically into Khalsa in 1699AD which works on a democratic pattern to get justice, if denied and or a share in power, if forced, by the rulers. In other words, it was a political/militant struggle for supremacy survival, not hate against any caste or creed or faith, as feared by Dr. Siddique.
Noor Mohammed in Jang Nama had abused the Sikhs, under frustration but still he has appreciated qualities of theirs such as honor to women and as lions in the battlefield etc.
Muslim Saints of Sikhs Due share have been given to nine Muslim saints/fakirs in the Granth Sahib, the Koran of the Sikhs, These Muslim saints are respected by the Sikhs with due respect as given to Sikh gurus ( of 10, six have their bani in the in Granth Sahib) along with Aryan Anaryan Bhaktas.
Pin Bhuddu Shah, a Muslim, had offered his disciples and four sons to fight for the just cause of Guru Gobind Singh. Most of his disciples and sons got killed for a cause. Guru Gobind was first targeted by Shivalik (Himalayan Hills) Hindu kings.
Guru Gobind was rescued from the sure trap laid down by security forces, mostly Muslims, by Nabhi Khan and Gani Khan by deceiving them saying that he (Guru Gobind) is a ucch Ka Pir’. (Noble Muslim saint). As a mark of respect the Nihang, a sect of Khalsa, wear blue robes even today.
Shah Mohammad, a contemporary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and who haseven seen Anglo-Sikh war, has written one Kaum for Sikh and Muslim forces against (Gair Kaum) foreigner, the Hindu. Top rank military and civil ranks were held by Muslims along with Christians and Sikhs in Shere Punjab’s Administration.
Dr. Siddique should know that the basic principles of Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainish (Dravidian culture) plus Christianity and Islam etc. are much closer to each other. Such as: equality, fraternity, liberty, monotheism, etc.
Dr. Siddique is very correct that a few weaknesses have crept into Sikhs/Khalsa. The religious/political leadership should put their efforts to establish that the Khalsa stands for class and casteless society. They only say it, but don’t practice it; Outside appearance is only changed whereas internally they are still under the influence of Brahmanism/patriotism. (Dalit Voice)
Article extracted from this publication >> December 13, 1991
