In the previous part (Part 6), Qazi Ruknuddin argued that the path of Prophet Muhammad is the only true path, and that through the Quran, prayers (Namaz), and fasting (Roza), a person can attain paradise, while those who do not accept this belief are destined for hell. In response, Guru Nanak Dev Ji explained in a deep philosophical manner that countless prophets, messengers, and great souls have come and gone in this world, but none has remained forever. He also emphasized that more important than the external ideas of heaven and hell is the inner state of a human being. In the end, Guru Nanak Dev Ji concludes that in the court of God there is none other than the One—neither Muslim nor Kafir; all distinctions disappear there.
Now in Part 7, Qazi Ruknuddin again presents his argument before Guru Nanak Dev Ji and says:
“O Nanak! Whatever I am saying is all written in the Quran…”
He presents his question in this way:
Qazi Ruknuddin says, “O Nanak! Whatever I am saying is all written in the Quran. He explains that this world is made up of fourteen levels—including the earth and the heavens. He says that within all of these, the light (Noor) of Muhammad shines like a lamp giving light. He further claims that all those who believe in the Prophet are not touched by the fire of hell. But those who do not accept the Quran are not supported by the Prophet. Therefore, they are not counted among the pure and remain impure forever.”
Guru Nanak Ji’s Response:
Guru Ji explains, “O Ruknuddin! Listen carefully to my true answer. This creation is vast—there are heavens upon heavens and countless levels of the nether worlds. Within it, many lights like that of Muhammad shine like lamps. But those who remain trapped in worldly pursuits and greed burn internally in a fire like hell. There are many kinds of Qurans and many kinds of messengers, and countless communities that sit in anxiety and sorrow.”
Further, Guru Ji explains that there are countless lights like Muhammad, and many thousands of spiritual guides like him. Many Muhammads have existed, and there are differences among them. Their names and places cannot be counted, because there have been countless prophets and messengers.
In the same way, religions are also infinite and cannot be truly counted. There are many Meccas and many Medinas. There are countless pilgrims who perform religious practices in different ways. Similarly, there are countless Vyas figures who sit in large numbers reflecting on the Vedas. In every realm, there are countless incarnations, and in countless realms there exist innumerable avatars. Likewise, there are many saints, prophets, spiritual leaders, and chiefs. All of them move within different realms of the heavens, and this vast expanse can be witnessed. There are countless prophets and innumerable avatars who always move and act according to the command of God. Countless avatars and prophets also move within the nether worlds.
O Ruknuddin! There are countless qazis and followers of religion. Likewise, there are many saints and spiritual guides, and even among them there are leaders. There are countless kings and martyrs, whose numbers have no end. Communities are endless, and there are countless like Abu Bakr and Ali. In the heavens, not just thousands but countless “four companions” are seen. There are countless imams and many kings and nobles. In the end, Nanak says that this has no limit that can be known. But above all is only One God, who is unseen, infinite, and indescribable.
Similarly, there are countless Narads, Saraswatis, Vishwamitras, and Vashishts. There are many Machhendras and Gorakhs, and countless creations. There are many Charpats, Bhartharis, Ishars, and Gopichands. Likewise, there are many Dattatreyas and many Ramanands. The gatherings of the eighty-four Siddhas are countless and move everywhere.
Further, Guru Ji explains that all of these are perishable, and only the One unseen, infinite God remains eternal. There are countless Vedas and books upon which people sit and reflect. There are also countless kinds of teachings, paths, prophets, Qurans, scriptures, and writings.
In this age of Kalyug, Guru Nanak Dev Ji has shown a pure path, where one rises above Vedas and books and remembers the One God. He removed all divisions of the world and made everyone equal, and by ending false rituals, he established the path of truth.
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