‘Grapes can’t grow on orange trees’

Nawab Khan, a ruler who lived in the town of Saidpur, had a son named Alam Khan. One day, Alam fell ill. Doctors were called to treat him, but none of their medicines worked. Nawab Khan and his wife, Begam Razia, became more worried. Seeing the Nawab so upset, his wazir Faisal Mansur said, “Nawab Sahib! I think we should find some true fakirs and sadhus and ask them to pray for Alam Khan’s health. ” “This town is full of fakirs and sadhus! How do I know which are the true ones?”replied the Nawab. “Sir, I am told that real fakirs and sadhus can perform miracles. I can suggest a few names of the holy men that are in town. ” “Alright then! I want everyone brought before me. ”Wazir Faisal wrote down some names. Guruji and Bhai Mardana were on the list. Word of what was happening spread quickly in town. Bhai Lalo rushed home to Guruji and Bhai Mardana, to warn them. “Guruji, please leave immediately. Nawab Khan has ordered your arrest!”Guruji smiled and calmly replied, “Don’t worry, Lalo! Everything will be alright. ” Just then, Jamal and his men knocked on Bhai Lalo’s door and arrested Guruji and Bhai Mardana. He took Guruji, Bhai Mardana and the other fakirs to the Nawab’s house. Seeing them, the Nawab said, “O men of God, I’ve brought you all here to pray for my son’s health. ”The fakirs and sadhus looked relieved. Many of them sat down to pray. Guruji kept standing. He looked around and said, “Tell me, Nawab Khan, have you ever seen grapes growing on an orange tree?” “Never, ”replied Nawab Khan. “Then how can you force the laws of nature to act according to your wishes?”The Nawab said he did not understand what Guruji was saying. “Nawab Khan, you have brought us here against our will and are holding us as prisoners. You are forcing us to ask God to show kindness to your son, yet you show no kindness. I will not be forced to pray for your son’s health. If your son is meant to become well, he will. Nawab Khan, accept the Will of God, whatever it is. ” Guruji’s words touched Nawab Khan’s heart. He fell on his knees and begged Guruji, “Please forgive me for my mistake. You are right! I should never have ordered your arrest. You and all the other holy men are free to go. But you, Fakir Sahib, would you please stay for awhile? I would like to talk with you. ”Everyone left, except Guruji and Bhai Mardana. “Fakirji, I feel that you are a true man of God, ”said Nawab Khan. “Nawab Sahib, ”replied Guruji gently, “you are blessed with power and wealth. What good is your wealth and power if it is not used to make the lives of your people better? Listen to your people; feel their pain; make the laws in your land fair. Rule with compassion. You might be the ruler of this land, but you must always remember that above you, there is the True Ruler. ” “Fakirji, I agree with what you have said. Please forgive me for arresting you. You have given me much to think about. ” Early next morning, Nawab Khan knocked on Bhai Lalo’s door. Bhai Lalo was shocked to see him standing there. He quickly took the Nawab to Guruji. “Fakirji, ”said Nawab Khan with folded hands, “I’ve come not as a Nawab, but as a father begging humbly for his son’s health. Please pray that my son becomes well again. I know your prayers will be answered. ” Guruji said, “Lalo, please bring me a roti from your kitchen. ”Bhai Lalo went to the kitchen and got a roti that Bibi Lajo had made. He put it in frontof Guruji. “Nawab Khan, take this roti and feed it to your son, ”said Guruji lovingly. “God will look after your son and from now onwards, you must look after your people. ” Nawab Khan bowed deeply before Guruji and rushed home. He went straight to Alam’s room and slowly fed him the roti. The very next day, Alam started to feel better and by the following week, he was completely cured of his illness. Word spread quickly in town that Guruji had saved the life of the Nawab’s son. Some of the people even started saying that Guruji could perform miracles. Guruji said to the sangat, the next day, “True miracles happen when we remember God in everything we do. Earning honestly and remembering God should go hand in hand. Only then can we become truly kind and helpful and live like God wants us to. ” Everyone listened to Guruji’s words. Many nodded their heads in agreement. His words changed many hearts and minds for the better. Abridged from Journey With The Gurus, Sikh Education & Cultural Foundation. ■