In the previous blog, we saw that Qazi Ruknudeen strongly claims that the Prophets are the greatest and most exalted. In response to this claim, Guru Nanak Dev Ji explained in a very simple yet profound way that many great individuals have come and gone in this world, but no one remains the greatest forever. In the end, everyone merges into dust, and only One God remains eternal, who keeps all under His command.
Now, in the next blog, Qazi Ruknudeen asks this question in more detail.
He says that Prophet Muhammad came into the world to establish Islam, and those who accept it will attain paradise (heaven), while the rest will fall into hell.
He presents his question in this way:
Qazi Ruknudeen says to Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “O Nanak, revered guide, listen to me.” He claims that Muhammad Mustafa came into the world to give people complete certainty and to prove the truth of his religion. He says that Muhammad established his faith by reciting the sacred Kalma. Those who do not accept this (the unbelievers) cannot be validated and will burn in the fire of hell. He further says that those who believe in the Prophet will live in paradise with heavenly maidens in comfort and joy. But those who do not listen to the Prophet will be overtaken by the punishment of hell. He explains that true Muslims read the holy Quran and perform acts like prayers and fasting; therefore, hell is forbidden for them, meaning they are saved from it.
Answer by Guru Nanak Ji Maharaj:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji says to Ruknudeen: “O Ruknudeen! Listen carefully to the true answer.” In this world, countless individuals like Muhammad have existed, and many astonishing events have occurred (meaning many great people have come and gone). No one has been able to fully prove their religion; all have died and turned into dust. That same dust is then baked in fire and shaped again and again into vessels. Some vessels hold milk, while others hold impurity (urine)—meaning the same clay is used differently. In the same way, some people are filled with virtues and blessings, while others are filled with faults and vices.
(Guru Nanak Dev Ji uses the example of clay and vessels to explain that the human body is made of dust and ultimately returns to it after death. The same dust takes new forms again and again; therefore, no individual can be considered the greatest forever.)
The body of a Muslim is also made of dust, which internally suffers from the fire (of pain, ego, and vices). The Kalma remains only at the surface; inwardly, the person burns and turns to dust. Even many prophets and messengers have not improved without overcoming this inner fire. Those who burn in this inner hellfire— their repentance is not accepted. Then where are the prayers and fasts, and where are the heavenly maidens of paradise? Those who read the Quran also burn away and disappear—meaning mere reading is not enough.
Ahead, neither a Muslim nor an unbeliever is seen. Both are seen burning and ultimately merge into dust. People died in ego and pride, but none could establish the ultimate truth. In the Divine court, there is none except the One. Millions like Muhammad have merged into that same Divine ocean.
I saw a woman weeping, crying out, “O Muhammad! O Muhammad!” She was deeply distressed without Muhammad Mustafa. Then she entered a dream and saw the Divine court filled with light, but she did not see Muhammad Mustafa there, which made her cry even more.
She again cried aloud, “O Muhammad! O Muhammad!” and weeping, asked for an answer. Then millions of Muhammads rose and said, “Which Muhammad are you asking for? There are countless, infinite Mustafas here.”
Even to the end, they cannot be counted—there are countless angels like Jibraeel. Everything exists within God’s command, and there are countless like Mikaeel. There are innumerable angels, and even the angels of death are countless. Countless jinn and beings long for the grace of the True Allah.
She saw this vision and was astonished. No one here realizes that this world is temporary. Neither do souls see paradise, nor does anyone see hell. The authority and status one has while alive—after death, nothing of it remains.
After death, all humans merge into dust and into the elements. The same is formed again into new beings with different qualities. After death, all false claims of the world end. Both Hindus and Muslims burn and ultimately become ashes.
To accept anyone other than God is doubtful; none has been nor will be. Only One pure God pervades the entire universe. There is no Muhammad Mustafa there, no incarnation, nor any saints, prophets, or spiritual leaders—meaning all such distinctions disappear in the presence of God.
While alive, a person sees everything, but after death, nothing is seen. Nanak says this world is a false game, which ultimately proves to be false. This entire creation—earth and sky—is made of dust. Even the fourteen realms will not remain; all are temporary. Air, water, fire, and earth—these are the four elements. Living beings die and are born again under the control of time. All beings exist under God’s command; they come and go by His will. Nanak says that those who do not understand this Divine command remain ignorant and suffer, dying again and again.
Teachings of Guru Nanak 
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