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,[1] 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 ;
- ↑ That is, if thou become a Muhammadan.
