Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, after returning from…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, after returning from Nepal, arrived in Rohilkhand. It was a major commercial hub where a cattle fair was held. People from far and wide would come to engage in buying and selling. Due to flourishing trade, the local population enjoyed prosperity. Farmers, merchants, and wealthy individuals required a large number of farm laborers, domestic servants, and slaves. As a result, the people there were constantly in search of bonded laborers.

Some unscrupulous elements exploited the helplessness of the poor, luring them with promises of good wages and bringing them from tribal areas to be sold into bonded labor. In this way, some undesirable people were also involved in the horrific trade of selling women and children.

While Guru Ji was engaged in kirtan with Bhai Mardana Ji at the bustling cattle fair, a weeping woman approached and pleaded before Him. She lamented that a broker had deceived her by promising good wages and brought her children to this place, only to sell them. Now, she had no idea about their whereabouts or their condition. She begged Guru Ji for help and requested Him to find out from the broker where her children were.

Hearing this tragic story, Guru Ji became serious and consoled her, saying: "Have patience, we will do something to eradicate this social evil, but it will take some time."

Receiving this assurance, the woman replied: "That is fine, but I just want to know whether my children are safe or not."

Upon this, Guru Ji shared a mysterious plan with Bhai Mardana Ji. Disguising Himself in tribal attire, Guru Ji wandered among the brokers as an unknown person.

Seeing Him in tribal attire, the brokers mistook Him for an escaped slave. They surrounded Him and said: "Where have you been hiding? You are our slave!"

They soon captured Guru Ji and took Him to the marketplace to be sold. Guru Ji did not resist.

At the slave market, a bidding war ensued for Guru Ji, as He appeared strong and healthy. Eventually, a wealthy man purchased Him for a price equivalent to that of horses and presented Him as a gift to a Pir (spiritual master).

The Pir was pleased and Guru Ji began serving as a slave. Whatever the Pir commanded, Guru Ji would do immediately. Tasks that took hours were completed in minutes.

The Pir was astonished, as he had never seen such an obedient servant—someone who worked with dedication without expecting anything in return.

One early morning, while alone, Guru Ji began singing:

"Mul Khareedi Laala Gola Mera Nau Sabhaaga." "Gur Ki Bachani Haat Bikana Jit Laayaa Tit Laaga."

"Tere Laale Kia Chaturai." "Sahib Ka Hukam Na Karnaa Jai." — Raag Maaroo, Mehla 1, Ang 991

Meaning: "O Lord! I have been sold at Your command. I am blessed because I have received the opportunity to follow Your divine order. Wherever You place me, I shall serve. But I am ignorant, for I lack wisdom, and therefore, I may fail in perfectly following my Master's command."

The Pir, drawn to Guru Ji’s melodious voice, was captivated. As he looked upon Guru Ji’s radiant face, he realized that He was no ordinary being.

The Pir then asked: "Who are you? And what is the mystery behind your arrival as a slave in my house?"

Guru Ji replied: "Try to recognize me, and your efforts will not be in vain."

After pondering for a while, the Pir said: "I have heard great praise of a fakir named Nanak Ji. They say His words hold a divine power. Are you the same Nanak, whom people call Nanak Nirankari?"

Guru Ji responded: "You have recognized me correctly."

The Pir was astonished and asked: "If you are indeed the revered Nanak Nirankari Fakir, then why did you allow yourself to be sold like an animal? Were you not aware that strangers here are turned into slaves?"

Guru Ji replied: "I knew about it. That is why I came as a slave—to understand the plight of slaves firsthand and then launch a movement against this evil."

The Pir asked: "Do you truly believe that you will succeed in this noble cause?"

Guru Ji firmly responded: "Yes, with complete faith, I have chosen to become a slave to awaken society against this evil. I know that doing good is the duty of man, while doing evil is the work of the devil. I will fight for the principle of righteousness in society."

Hearing this, the Pir fell at Guru Ji’s feet. He immediately summoned all his respected Pathans, who were his followers, and requested Guru Ji to preach to them about righteousness.

Guru Ji taught them that no human should treat another as a slave, for it goes against the will of God.

Moved by His words, everyone freed their slaves, putting an end to the inhumane practice.