Baba Sheikh Farid: A Universal Message and our Tribute on his Birth Anniversary
By the divine grace of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sheikh Farid's verses found a place among the numerous other sagacious writings, in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, immortalising him as well his verses.
Baba Sheikh Farid and the Universal Message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Legacy of Baba Sheikh Farid
On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Baba Sheikh Farid, also known as Sheikh Fariduddin Ganjshakar, a towering spiritual figure from 12th-century Punjab, we extend our heartfelt felicitations to one and all1. Born in 1173 CE near Multan, now in modern-day Pakistan, this distinguished Sufi saint of the Chishti order wove a legacy rich in love, devotion, and an unwavering pursuit of the Divine. Guided by a relentless curiosity to decode life's mysteries, his compositions emanate profound enlightenment, underscoring life's fleeting nature and the essence of genuine devotion.
As he journeyed through the myriad facets of existence, Baba Farid's teachings, deeply rooted in Sufi traditions, have illuminated countless souls. He later settled in Pakpattan, where he continued his spiritual endeavours until his demise in 1266 CE. Indian towns like Faridkot and Faridabad, in the Punjab and Haryana respectively, named in his tribute, bear witness to the influence he continues to cast over the landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
Philosophical Tenets of Sheikh Farid
Sheikh Farid's spiritual philosophy pivots on four foundational tenets:
Love of God: His writings articulate an intense, boundless love for the Divine, marked by a deep longing for communion with the Almighty.
Asceticism and Detachment: He venerated a life of simplicity and renunciation, viewing ascetic endeavors as mediums connecting the soul to the Divine.
Humanity and Service: Driven by the ethos that serving humanity is akin to serving God, Sheikh Farid propagated a life of compassion, benevolence, and virtue.
Nature and Transience: His verses, deeply entrenched in nature, serve as poignant reminders of life's fleeting essence.
AI-generated images, enhancing Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji’s paintings available on the internet; dictating the Adi Granth to Bhai Gurdas ji.
Sheikh Farid’s Verses in Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Though his contributions are noteworthy, it is within the pages of the Guru Granth Sahib that Sheikh Farid's most profound impact is enshrined. It is not just the mere presence of Baba Farid's verses but the very honour of their inclusion that is significant. By the divine grace of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sheikh Farid's verses found a place among the numerous other sagacious writings, akin to individual gems in a grand necklace of wisdom.
The Sri Guru Granth Sahib, an epitome of spiritual profundity and embodiment of a living Guru for millions of Sikhs across the globe, beautifully amalgamates the divine revelations of six Sikh Gurus and fifteen Bhagats. Despite the temporal chasm separating Baba Farid from Guru Nanak Dev Ji by nearly two centuries, Farid's verses seamlessly resonate with the universal tenets of Sikh philosophy2.
Glimpses of Baba Farid's Verses in Sri Guru Granth Sahib
On self-introspection
In the Saloks (Ang 1378), symbolizing hope and spiritual rejuvenation, Farid's insights unfurl:
"ਫਰੀਦਾ ਜੇ ਤੂ ਅਕਲਿ ਲਤੀਫੁ ਕਾਲੇ ਲਿਖੁ ਨ ਲੇਖ॥
(Fareedā je tū akal latīf kāle likh na lekh.)
ਆਪਨੜੇ ਗਿਰੀਵਾਨ ਮਹਿ ਸਿਰੁ ਨੀਵਾਂ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੁ ॥"
(Āpanṛe girīvān mahi sir nīvāṅ kar dekh)
Translating to, "Farid, if you have a keen understanding, then do not write black deeds. In your own home (within yourself), bow your head low (in humility) and see." The profound essence of life's transitory nature is reflected in these verses. These lines emphasize the virtue of self-awareness, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and humility. By suggesting that one refrains from negative actions and adopts an introspective stance, Baba Farid accentuates the significance of internal purity and conscious living.
Appearances can be deceptive-famous verse
On Ang 1381 of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sheikh Farid delves into the profound juxtaposition between outward appearance and internal moral disposition:
"ਫਰੀਦਾ ਕਾਲੇ ਮੈਡੇ ਕਪੜੇ ਕਾਲਾ ਮੈਡਾ ਵੇਸੁ ॥"
(Farīḏā kāle maide kapṛe kālā maidā ves.)
"Fareed, my clothes are black, and my outfit is black."
The black clothes are symbolic, representing sins or spiritual impurities. It's an admission of one's flaws and imperfections, highlighting the concept that external appearances can sometimes mirror one's internal state.
However, what's even more striking is the societal perception of the same:
"ਗੁਨਹੀ ਭਰਿਆ ਮੈ ਫਿਰਾ ਲੋਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਦਰਵੇਸੁ ॥੬੧॥"
(Gunhī bẖari▫ā mai firā lok kahai ḏarves. ||61||)
"I wander around full of sins, and yet people call me a dervesh - a holy man. ||61||"
This line drives home the disparity between how one may feel internally and how society may perceive them based on their exterior or their position. It's a poignant reminder that true holiness or spiritual purity is not just about appearances or titles, but the content of one's character and the purity of one's actions. Sheikh Farid's self-reflective verses compel readers to introspect and recognize the distance between true spirituality and mere ritualistic or societal labels.
Guru Arjan Dev ji seems to question Baba Farid
In one of his profound verses found on Ang 1381 of Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, denoted with "ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥" (Mėhlā 5, Fifth Mehl), delves into a profound spiritual exploration and appears to be posing questions to Baba Farid, who by this time had already ascended to his heavenly abode:
"ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
“ਫਰੀਦਾ ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਲਕ ਵਸੈ ਰਬ ਮਾਹਿ ॥"
(Farīḏā kẖālak kẖalak mėh kẖalak vasai rab māhi.)
"Fareed, the Creator is in the Creation, and the Creation abides in God."
"ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੭੫॥"
(Manḏā kis no ākẖī▫ai jāʼn ṯis bin ko▫ī nāhi. ||75||)
"Whom can we call bad? There is none without Him. ||75||"
Through these verses, Guru Arjan Dev Ji elucidates the intrinsic interconnection between the Creator and His creation, emphasizing the omnipresence of the Divine in all aspects of existence.
Baba Sheikh Farid on Selfless Service to the Almighty
In the verses on Ang 1381 of Guru Granth Sahib, Sheikh Farid, bestows valuable insights into the spiritual quest:
"ਫਰੀਦਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਕਰਿ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਦਿਲ ਦੀ ਲਾਹਿ ਭਰਾਂਦਿ ॥"
(Farīḏā sāhib ḏī kar cẖākrī ḏil ḏī lāhi bẖarāʼnḏ.)
"Fareed, work for your Lord and Master; dispel the doubts of your heart."
In this verse, Sheikh Farid advises the spiritual aspirants to serve the Almighty with utmost sincerity, dedicating their actions to Him and ridding their hearts of doubts and uncertainties. This act of selfless devotion and service is emphasized as a way to find inner clarity and a deeper connection with the Divine.
Continuing his pearls of wisdom, Sheikh Farid says:
"ਦਰਵੇਸਾਂ ਨੋ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਰੁਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਜੀਰਾਂਦਿ ॥੬੦॥"
(Ḏarvesāʼn no loṛī▫ai rukẖāʼn ḏī jīrāʼnḏ. ||60||)
"The dervishes, the humble devotees, have the patient endurance of trees. ||60||"
Highlighting the virtues of the dervishes, the saintly figures known for their unwavering devotion and renunciation, Sheikh Farid uses the metaphor of trees. Just as trees stand tall, bearing the adversities of nature with patience, so too do these dervishes face the challenges of life with grace and unwavering faith in the Divine. Through these verses, Sheikh Farid emphasizes the significance of patience, resilience, and undying faith in one's spiritual journey.
Super-critical self-appraisal regarding religious observances.
Verses from Guru Granth Sahib, Ang (Page) 1381, lines 12-13 by Baba Sheikh Farid:
ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੇ ਨਿਵਾਜਾ ਕੁਤਿਆ ਏਹ ਨ ਭਲੀ ਰੀਤਿ ॥
(Fareedā be nivājā kutiā eh na bhalī rīt.)
English Translation: Fareed: O faithless dog, this is not a good way of life.
Explanation: Baba Farid stresses the importance of unwavering faith. Using potent language, he provides a poignant reminder of the spiritual repercussions of not adhering to one's religious commitments.
ਕਬਹੀ ਚਲਿ ਨ ਆਇਆ ਪੰਜੇ ਵਖਤ ਮਸੀਤਿ ॥੭੦॥
(Kabhī chal na āiā panje vakhat masīt.)
English Translation: You never come to the mosque for your five daily prayers.
Explanation: Through this verse, Baba Farid accentuates the essence of religious observance. He cites the five daily prayers, fundamental in Islamic practice, to emphasize the significance of continuous worship and the spiritual dangers of neglect.
ਉਠੁ ਫਰੀਦਾ ਉਜੂ ਸਾਜਿ ਸੁਬਹ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਗੁਜਾਰਿ ॥
(Uṭh fareedā ujū sāj subah nivāj gujār.)
English Translation: Rise up, Fareed, and cleanse yourself; chant your morning prayer.
Explanation: Baba Farid's words motivate individuals to not just physically rise, but also to spiritually awaken. The act of purification before the Subah Nivaaj signifies preparation and sanctification for worship, reinforcing the idea of commencing one's day with devotion.
ਜੋ ਸਿਰੁ ਸਾਂਈ ਨਾ ਨਿਵੈ ਸੋ ਸਿਰੁ ਕਪਿ ਉਤਾਰਿ ॥੭੧॥
(Jo sir sāṇī nā nivai so sir kapi utār.)
English Translation: The head which does not bow to the Lord - chop off and remove that head. ||71||
Explanation: Baba Farid metaphorically underscores the paramount importance of humility and surrender to God. The message isn't about physical violence but highlights the spiritual consequence of not paying homage to the Divine.
Baba Farid's verses emphasize the profound importance of spiritual commitment, consistently reminding us of the perils of neglecting our spiritual duties. Through these lines, believers are urged to remain faithful, embody devotion, and recognize the immense significance of consistent spiritual practice.
Of human suffering
On the theme of human suffering and detachment, Farid laments in Ang 1381, "ਫਰੀਦਾ ਮੈ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਦੁਖੁ ਮੁਝ ਕੂ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਭੈ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਸੁਖੀਏ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਲਿ ਨ ਦੇਖੈ ਦੁਖੀ ਸਿਉ ਸਾਰੁ ॥", evoking the sentiment that, "Farid, I thought I was alone in my suffering, but suffering is the condition of the entire world. The contented don't even glance at you, but the suffering share their pain."
Enduring Message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib
The varied verses cited earlier offer glimpses of Baba Farid's reflections, yet they represent but a fraction of the vast ocean of wisdom within the Guru Granth Sahib. It is essential to recognize that his verses, though precious, are only a part of the larger spiritual narrative. Today, "ਜੁਗੋ ਜੁਗ ਅਟਲ," the Guru Granth Sahib, emerges as an enduring source of spiritual enlightenment, guiding countless souls beyond the confines of caste, creed, and religion towards the divine path.
In summing up, the Guru Granth Sahib's teachings beckon every spiritual aspirant, encouraging them to delve deep into its infinite layers. The resounding message within, "ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ, ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ...ਵਿਚ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਾਰੇ" illuminates the path, signifying that "The Word, or Bani, is the Guru, and the Guru is the Word. Within the Word lies the nectar of Immortality." The inclusion of Sheikh Baba Farid's verses in the sacred compilation, honoured by the Fifth Nanak, has immortalised his legacy for all times to come. This is precisely why, today, the SGPC, the Sikhs and people of all faiths come together in celebration of his birth anniversary3.
First published on 25th August, 2023 in “Salahiyat”"/ “ਸਲਾਹੀਯਤ”/ “صلاحیت”, a monthly publication of South Asia Research Center of India (Vol-2, No-8, August, 2023 issue). It’s a trilingual publication in English, Punjabi and Urdu.
……”whom can we call bad? There is none without Him”…….despite clear divine teaching, we humans are separated like stones…..May His Mighty Waheguru Ji bestow His Mercy & Wisdom on us….