Sa’id Khan

Sa’id Khan, a Mughal general, came in February 1703 at the head of a large army to invade Anandpur and force Guru Gobind Singh into submission. Guru Gobind Singh, who, according to Gur Ratan Mal (Sau Sakhi), had only 500 warriors with him at the time, came out of the town to face the attack.

A severe battle followed in which Maimun Khan with his contingent of 100 Muslim retainers and Sa’id Beg, the Mughal General, who, had thoughts of meeting the Guru, a leader he had secretly admired. It was During the battle that after meeting the Guru, he switched his allegiance, coming over to the Guru's side; fighting, it is said, with conspicuous courage.

Account of their meeting

While the battle was raging, Guru Gobind Singh, riding his famous charger, made a dash through the ranks straight to Sa’id Khan to challenge him, but Sa’id Khan had heard many marvellous stories about the Guru’s spiritual power and had secretly cherished in his heart a wish to meet him in person. Now face to face with the Guru, Sa’id Khan, was so deeply impressed by his presence, that he lost all thought of leading his men against Guruji vanished in a moment. Dismounting his horse, he touched the Guru's stirrup in homage. After the battle was won, Guru Gobind Singh blessed Khan and he quietly left the field. He became a recluse and spent the rest of his life in prayer.

His sister Bibi Naseera was a staunch follower of the Sikh Gurus.

References

1. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909

2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri GUI` Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35

3. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala,1970

4. Nayyar, G.S., ed., Sau Sakhi. Patiala, 1985