Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through…

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through Pehova, reached Jind. From there, he proceeded to Sirsa, which in those days was a stronghold of Sufi fakirs. The foremost among them was Khwaja Abdul Shakoor, who had gained fame as a Kamil Murshid (a perfect spiritual guide). His supernatural powers had deeply influenced the minds of the common people. As a result, large crowds would gather at his place to make offerings and seek blessings. This led to the extensive misuse of wealth collected for religious purposes.

When Guru Ji observed their mentality, he said to Khwaja Abdul Shakoor:

"You are interfering in the works of the Almighty solely for personal recognition and pride, misusing your spiritual power. This will benefit no one. True devotion and worship lie in living in alignment with the divine will (‘Razi vich Raza’). The true duty of saints and fakirs is to teach the poor and suffering to accept the divine command."

However, Khwaja Abdul Shakoor did not agree with Guru Ji. His fellow fakirs—Bahawal-ul-Haq, Shahi Vahal Fariduddin, Jalaluddin, and Jati Mal—came to discuss this matter with Guru Ji.

Guru Ji said:

"First, you go through rigorous spiritual discipline to acquire supernatural powers, then use them to amass wealth from offerings. If this is not a business, then what is? True fakiri is to chant the Lord’s name selflessly and inspire others to do the same. This alone leads to everyone’s well-being."

When these fakirs were defeated in argument, they sought to establish their superiority by challenging Guru Ji to observe a strict fast.

However, Guru Ji said:

"Fasting is not our principle. Our path is the path of simplicity and balance. We do not believe in extreme austerities."

But the group of fakirs was eager to prove their superiority.

They said:

"We can undergo severe penance by remaining hungry and thirsty for 40 days. If you can also practice such an austerity with us, we will acknowledge you."

The five fakirs each took a pot of water, forty grains of barley, and set out to perform a 40-day chilla (spiritual retreat) in their secluded chambers. Meanwhile, Guru Ji continued his daily kirtan with Bhai Mardana.

When the congregation gathered, Guru Ji preached:

"This human life is priceless. It should not be wasted, as death can come at any moment. Every moment should be spent in devotion to the Almighty, making every breath meaningful. I only recognize those practices that an ordinary person, living a household life, can follow with ease. Therefore, one should live in normal circumstances, fulfill one’s responsibilities, and worship the Lord in a natural way. That alone is accepted in the Lord’s court, not mere rituals."

After forty days, when the chilla period was completed, the five fakirs were found in an utterly weakened state. In contrast, Guru Ji, who had followed a balanced routine of minimal food and sleep, remained completely healthy and refreshed.

By then, the people had also understood the ritualistic deception and hypocrisy of the fakirs.