Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/219

Rh When his work was accomplished in Sialkot, the Guru proceeded to the south of the Pan jab as far as Mithankot (in the present district of Dera Ghazi Khan), where Mian Mitha, a famous Muhammadan priest, resided. The Guru took up his quarters in a garden near the town. When Mian Mitha heard of the Guru s arrival he said, Nanak is a good faqir ; but, if I meet him, I will squeeze the juice out of him as if he were a lemon. Mardana, when reporting his speech to the Guru, said, Mian Mitha is thine automaton, and will play as thou causest him to play. Mian Mitha continued his boasting : I will go to see Nanak, and, if I meet him, I will take the cream off him as I would skim milk. Mian Mitha met the Guru and, after saluting him in the Muhammadan fashion, sat down. He challenged the Guru by the following slok :

The first name is that of God, the second that of the Prophet.

O Nanak, if thou repeat the Creed, thou shalt find acceptance in God s court.

The Guru replied : The first name is that of God ; how many prophets are at His gate ! O Shaikh, form good intentions, and thou shalt find acceptance in God s court.

The Guru continued : Mian Mitha, at God s gate there is no room for a prophet. He who dwelleth there is God alone. Mian Mitha then put the Guru two questions : How can a lamp burn without oil ? and, How shall man obtain a seat in God s court ? The Guru replied as follows :

Act according to the Quran and thy sacred books.

Put the wick of fear into thy body ;

Burn in it the knowledge of truth ;